Overview
UFC 318 is set for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The card is headlined by a trilogy bout between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier for the BMF title. This fight carries added emotional weight, as Poirier has announced it will be the final bout of his UFC career.
The prelims begin at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+, with the main card airing at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+ PPV. This marks the UFC’s first return to New Orleans in nearly a decade, and the local crowd should be electric for Poirier, a Louisiana native.
Main Event: Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 3 (Lightweight – BMF Title)
Odds (FanDuel): Holloway -125, Poirier +105
The BMF belt is on the line in a trilogy between two of the UFC’s most respected veterans. Poirier won both prior meetings, including a classic five-round war in 2019. Despite that, he enters this fight as the underdog in what he says will be the final appearance of his career.
Holloway is now fully acclimated to lightweight and brings superior volume, footwork, and striking accuracy. Poirier still has the power edge and an elite ability to wear down opponents with body work and pressure, but at 36 and with a lot of mileage, there are real durability concerns. Holloway also enters off a knockout loss, but he still appears fresher at this stage.
Expect a high-paced battle with urgency from both sides and real potential for a finish.
Best Bet: Fight Does Not Go the Distance (+110)
Both fighters are coming off knockouts. Add in the history, the title, and Poirier’s retirement angle, and this should be a violent, emotional fight. Expect risks and exchanges early.
Co-Main Event: Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)
Odds (FanDuel): Kopylov -250, Costa +220
Kopylov has won six straight UFC bouts with a composed striking style that frustrates opponents. Costa remains a dangerous athlete but has been wildly inconsistent, going just 1–4 in his last five appearances. He starts fast but often fades when pressured.
Kopylov may have grappling tools but rarely uses them. His kickboxing is clean and patient, which should work well against Costa’s wildness.
Best Bet: Kopylov by Decision (+210)
Costa is durable and usually survives unless he gasses out. If Kopylov controls the pace, this could be a clean 29–28 win without a finish.
Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Odds (FanDuel): Holland -475, Rodriguez +340
This one could steal the show. Holland has the reach and power, while Rodriguez brings toughness and solid boxing. The concern for Rodriguez is that he gets hit too much, and Holland thrives in messy fights.
If Holland keeps it at range and stays disciplined, he should land early and often. Rodriguez has a puncher’s chance, but over three rounds, it is hard to see him outpointing Holland.
Best Bet: Fight Does Not Go the Distance (-160)
Both fighters absorb damage and look to brawl. The odds suggest violence for good reason.
Dan Ige vs Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (Featherweight)
Odds (FanDuel): Ige -175, Freire +145
Freire is a legend outside the UFC, but at 38 and on short turnaround, this is a tough spot. Ige is not flashy, but he is dependable, brings pace, and tends to wear guys down over time.
Pitbull still has power and experience, but Ige has the youth, cardio, and length. If he sticks to a high-volume approach, he should pull away on the scorecards.
Best Bet: Ige by Decision (+110)
Pitbull is hard to finish, and Ige rarely overwhelms opponents. This feels like a solid three-round win for the younger fighter.
Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber (Lightweight)
Odds (FanDuel): Zellhuber -600, Johnson +400
Zellhuber is long, technical, and still developing. Johnson is experienced and still fast early, but he often fades and has been caught late in several recent fights.
If Johnson does not land something big in the first round, Zellhuber should start to break him down with kicks and range striking. His second and third rounds are usually strong.
Best Bet: Zellhuber to Win in Round 2 or 3 (+250 to +300)
Johnson’s history of late-round fades makes this prop the best value. Zellhuber should take control as the fight wears on and could find a finish.
Parting Shot
UFC 318 is a strong card with legacy angles, stylistic clashes, and real betting value across the board. From the emotional main event to rising names like Zellhuber and Kopylov, there is a lot to be excited about.
This is a great card for props and method-of-victory plays. With the right reads, this is a week where smart betting could pay off in a big way.
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