Plan Your Trip to UFC 318 in New Orleans – Fight Night Travel Guide

Everything You Need for UFC 318 in New Orleans

UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Event Basics 

When is UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3? 

UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 is on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Doors open at 4 p.m. Early prelims start at 5 p.m., followed by the prelims at 7 p.m. and the main card at 9 p.m. 

Where is UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3?  

UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 will be held at the Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113. 

Who are Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway?  

Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Poirier is one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in MMA history. Poirier made his UFC debut in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks with his relentless fighting style and resilience. He’s known for his victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler. Beyond the UFC stage, known as the Octagon, Poirier is also recognized for his philanthropic work through The Good Fight Foundation, making him a fan-favorite among UFC fans and in Louisiana. 

In the main event, BMF champion Max Holloway will defend his belt against the hometown favorite in a trilogy matchup built on over a decade of shared history. 

How and where can I buy tickets to UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3?  

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster here. 

UFC 318 VIP ticket packages may include premium seating, a reserved seat at the ceremonial weigh-ins, all-inclusive in-venue hospitality with UFC Athlete appearances, and more. Purchase VIP tickets here. 

Mobile tickets only – All tickets must be accessed through your mobile device. Make sure your tickets are downloaded in advance to ensure smooth entry into the building. 

Cashless Venue - Smoothie King Center is a cashless operation including all concessions, merchandise, and parking. Guests may convert their cash to a Master Card at Section 108 near the Guest Services location. Master Cards are sold at a minimum of $20 and maximum of $500 and can be used at any POS location in the building. 

Where will UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 be broadcast? 

Watch on ESPN+. 

What is the schedule of events for UFC 318 Fight Week?  

Thursday, July 17 

Official Press Conference at Smoothie King Center 

The Official Press Conference kicks off UFC 318 Fight Week. A select number of athletes competing on the card will share the stage with their opponents, answering questions from the media before facing off. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Arrive early for the best seats. 

Start time is currently TBD 

Friday, July 18 

Ceremonial Weigh-Ins at Smoothie King Center 

The full UFC 318 card will take the stage for the ceremonial weigh-ins, where each fighter will step on the scale and face off one final time before Saturday’s event. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Arrive early for the best seats. 

Start time is currently TBD 

Saturday, July 19 

UFC 318 at Smoothie King Center 

Make sure your tickets are ready and arrive early to enjoy the full experience. Merchandise stands will be available around the concourse for fans to purchase.  

Doors Open: TBD 

Fight Pass Prelims: 5:00p CT 

Prelims: 7:00p CT 

Main Card/PPV: 9:00p CT 

What is prohibited at the Smoothie King Center? 

All bags are prohibited other than clear vinyl bags no larger than 14" wide x 14" height x 6" deep, Gallon Size Ziploc Bags (Limit 1 of either) and Small Clutch Purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Non-clear Diaper bags are prohibited.  

For a list of prohibited items, see here. 
 

UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Getting Around 

How do I get to UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3? 

The Smoothie King Center is located at 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70113. There are a variety of ways to get to the arena, including public transportation (RTA bus), rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and taxi. The Smoothie King Center offers convenient rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations near the stadium and arena. The designated rideshare zone is located on Poydras Street, north of the campus, within a 5-minute walking distance. 

For more information on public transportation options, visit our transportation page here. 

What accessibility options are available at the stadium?  

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superdome provides a safe and enjoyable event experience for all patrons. Check here for more information on accommodations in Caesars Superdome. The ADA Facilitator can be contacted regarding accommodations and venue processes at (504) 587-3842. 

Is there parking available at the Smoothie King Center? 

Between Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, there is a total of seven (7) parking garages for public parking and two (2) surface lots, which can accommodate approximately 7,000 vehicles. The public parking garages are designated #1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6 and Champions Garage. The surface lots are designated as Lot 3 and Lot 4. 

Parking garages accept credit or debit cards only. You may have the opportunity to purchase event parking in advance (once tickets go on sale), which is highly encouraged. 

UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Dining and Things to Do 

Where should I eat near the Smoothie King Center? 

New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise, and visitors can put dining at the top of their list when in New Orleans for UFC 318. You can use our map widget to find a restaurant near you.  

If you’re wondering where to eat in specific neighborhoods, let us be your guide. Note that, with the volume of visitors, some restaurants may be closed or fully booked; give your chosen spot a call before heading out. You can use OpenTable and Resy to make a dining reservation at several area restaurants.   

Our Self-Guided Tour of the French Quarter is an excellent place to begin. Check out our French Quarter Cocktail Crawl here. Browse all restaurant in the French Quarter here.  

Looking to dine downtown? Check out our page on restaurants in downtown New Orleans here. Find our page on where to eat in the neighboring Arts/Warehouse District here.  

Staying Uptown or in the Garden District? Find where to eat here. Our streetcar cocktail crawl takes you from Uptown to downtown New Orleans utilizing public transportation, with plenty of stops along the way.  

If you want to find a restaurant off the beaten path, well, we’ve got a blog for that too. Enjoy our neighborhood-spanning Self-Guided Black-Owned Restaurant Tour here. 

Check out our guide to traditional New Orleans food here, and our guide to splurge-worthy restaurants here. Check out our guide to the best steakhouses in New Orleans here. Follow the account @lemonpop.nola for the latest on food truck pop-ups at local breweries.  

Where can I watch UFC 318 If I don’t have a ticket? 

Lots of sports bars will have the match on the big screens for you to watch. Check out our page on sports bars in New Orleans here.  

Where should I go for nightlife or post-fight celebrations? 

Vibrant nightlife and live music are the pulse of the city. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or grab a late night bite, the city’s got you covered.  

Enjoy sports betting at Caesars Sportsbook inside Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino. The casino boasts the latest in slots, video poker, table games, exciting entertainment, restaurants, and so much more.  

As for other nightlife, take a deep dive into our live music scene. Whether you club hop on Frenchmen Street or buy tickets to a show at historic Preservation Hall, there’s a little something for everyone, including those under 21! You can find our guide to Live Music in New Orleans here. 

What other events are happening during UFC 318 weekend? 

While UFC 318 definitely takes the cake as the premier event in the city, you can check out our event calendar for what else is poppin’. How about heading to Tipitina’s for free live music, or checking out the start of Tales of the Cocktail? Find our Things to Do in July page here and start planning. 

Local Tips for attending UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 

What will the weather be like during UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3? 

Since UFC 318 is taking place in July, make sure to dress appropriately to stay cool in the hot and humid summer weather. With highs around 92°F, it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach or exceed 100°F (38°C) during July. But fear not! New Orleans is equipped with great air conditioning. Make sure to stay hydrated while having fun, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when you need to. It tends to rain in July, specifically in the afternoon, so consider carrying an umbrella or poncho. 

What are some local tips for enjoying the city during UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway 3? 

Since the city will be packed with fans, we recommend booking dining reservations early. Browse our restaurants here to see what’s offered.  

Since the weekend will be full of UFC fan experiences, why not stay longer to explore New Orleans? Check out our trip planning tools here to plan a vacation of a lifetime!