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The Octagon returns to center stage on July 19 as UFC 318 lands in New Orleans, Louisiana, promising another action-packed night of fights.
Topping the bill is a marquee clash between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, two of the most electrifying names in MMA. With a stacked main card from top to bottom, UFC 318 could very well steal the spotlight from the fireworks of UFC 317.
The UFC has been on a tear with high-quality events, and this lineup keeps that momentum going. For those looking to cash in on the action, we’ve broken down this key matchup, offered picks, and analyzed the betting line to help you make an informed wager.
- What? UFC 318 main event: Holloway vs. Poirier 3
- Where? Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- When? July 19, 2025
UFC 318 Odds: Holloway vs. Poirier 3
Below are the odds from the Best UFC Betting Sites 2025.
| UFC 318 |  |  |  |
| Max Holloway | -120 | -130 | -120 |
| Dustin Poirier | Even | +110 | Even |
The spotlight of UFC 318 shines brightest on the trilogy bout between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. While Poirier holds a 2-0 edge in their head-to-head history, this third encounter is still shaping up to be a razor-close battle — and the odds reflect that.
The UFC Betting Lines list both fighters at -110, but Holloway is slightly favored on others, sitting around -130. That presents a decent opportunity for bettors looking to capitalize on the narrow line.
Beyond the headliner, three additional main card matchups are available at odds of -280 or shorter, and several proven finishers will be stepping into the cage. From top to bottom, this card offers plenty of potential betting value.
Max Holloway (-120) vs. Dustin Poirier (+110)
Dustin Poirier’s final walk to the Octagon comes with high stakes. He closes out his legendary career in a third showdown against Max Holloway. Although Poirier has already bested Holloway twice — once by decision and once via submission — this isn’t a gimme fight by any stretch. Holloway (26-8) is as durable and dangerous as they come, which helps explain the razor-thin line on the betting boards.
The former featherweight champ holds slight favoritism in some markets, likely due to his youth — he’s three years younger — and his physical advantages in height and reach. With 12 knockouts to his name and one of the most respected résumés in the sport, it wouldn’t be shocking if Holloway put a stamp on this trilogy with a highlight finish. Add to that the motivation of chasing another title run, and the narrative lines up.
Still, Poirier (30-9) isn’t just showing up for a farewell. Even if retirement is looming, he has every reason to go out on top with a third win over one of the UFC’s most iconic warriors. He’s dropped three of his last five, but each loss came against elite competition. His ability to finish fights — with 15 knockouts and 8 submissions — remains a real threat. From a value standpoint, backing “The Diamond” at plus-money in a fight he’s already won twice could be a savvy move.
Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier Prediction
The recommended play for the UFC 318 headliner is Dustin Poirier. Competing in front of a hometown crowd in Louisiana, Poirier will have the full backing of the fans — a potential X-factor in what’s expected to be a closely contested battle. He’s already proven twice that he can handle Max Holloway. There’s little reason to believe he can’t do it again.
As he prepares to walk away from the sport, don’t be surprised if Poirier looks to cap off his career with the move that helped define him: the jumping guillotine. It’s a submission that’s become synonymous with his fighting style. If he sees an opening, you can bet he’ll go for it. Ending things on his own terms with a vintage finish would be the perfect sendoff.
The Trilogy
Max Holloway has etched his name into UFC history time and again, with a championship background and a long list of records that speak to his legacy in the sport.
But at UFC 318, the current BMF titleholder (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) faces a different kind of challenge. He is aiming to avoid a third loss to longtime rival Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC).
The rivalry began back in 2012 when Poirier submitted Holloway in what was just Max’s UFC debut. Their second clash came in 2019, where Poirier once again emerged victorious via unanimous decision in a five-round war. Now, Holloway is looking to rewrite the narrative and finally get one back in their trilogy bout.
UFC 318 Main Card And Odds
- Max Holloway (-130) vs. Dustin Poirier (+110) – Lightweight – For Holloway’s BMF title
- Dan Ige (-150) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (+130) – Featherweight
- Ateba Gautier (-400) vs. Robert Valentin (+330) – Middleweight
- Paulo Costa (+240) vs. Roman Kopylov (-280) – Middleweight
- Michael Johnson (+330) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (-400) – Lightweight
Below are the best offshore sportsbooks for your UFC 318 bets.
Best Betting Sites 