The mixed martial arts world now has a clear look at what awaits at UFC 318. The full fight card for the event, officially scheduled for June 19th in New Orleans, has been revealed, promising a substantial night of action featuring no less than 14 bouts from top-tier competitors and rising prospects.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the lineup, detailing the matchups and the proposed bout order for the upcoming pay-per-view event. As expected for a numbered card, the top of the lineup features significant names and compelling storylines.
The Main Event: A Trilogy with Potential Finality
Capping off the evening is a third meeting between two bona fide legends of the sport: Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway. This lightweight showdown sees them run back previous encounters where Poirier emerged victorious on both occasions. For Poirier, this fight carries particular weight, as it has been discussed as potentially being the final walk to the octagon in his decorated career. Attempting to secure a third win over an opponent of Holloway`s caliber would be a remarkable way to conclude a legendary run, but facing “Blessed” is never a simple task.
Supporting Cast: Intrigue and Action on the Main Card
The co-main event provides a middleweight collision between former title challenger Paulo Costa, making his return to action, and the heavy-handed Roman Kopylov. This matchup has all the ingredients for a volatile striking battle.
Adding to the welterweight mix, the incredibly active Kevin Holland is set for his fourth fight already in 2025. He`ll square off against Daniel Rodriguez in a matchup that`s difficult to predict but almost guaranteed to deliver stand-up exchanges.
Former Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull makes his second appearance under the UFC banner, facing a tough test against Dan Ige. Pitbull`s UFC debut didn`t go according to plan, resulting in a decision loss. The competition doesn`t ease up for the Brazilian icon as he takes on Ige, a fighter known for his knockout power and willingness to engage. This bout is crucial for Pitbull to establish himself in his new promotion.
Rounding out the main card is a lightweight clash between veteran Michael Johnson and Daniel Zellhuber. This particular pairing appears poised for a finish, adding to the potential highlights of the night.
Preliminary Action
Adding further depth to the UFC 318 event is a packed preliminary card featuring a mix of established names and emerging talent across multiple weight classes. While the focus often remains on the main card, these preliminary bouts consistently deliver memorable moments and highlight the depth of the UFC roster.
Full Card (as revealed):
Main Card
- Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway (Main Event)
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
- Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
- Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Prelims
- Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira
- Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen
- Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
- Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin
- Adam Fugitt vs. Islam Dulatov
- Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio
- Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey
- Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari
With 14 fights now confirmed, UFC 318 in New Orleans is shaping up to be a significant event on the combat sports calendar, headlined by a trilogy fight carrying considerable historical weight and personal stakes for both competitors.
