The former president, Donald Trump, is widely known for his passion for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and for securing prime positions near the cage for past fights. His enthusiastic participation has often been rewarded with exuberant applause from the audience. Another opportunity for this display of support for the UFC arises with the upcoming UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025, at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center.
Speculation is rife among enthusiasts and observers over whether this avid UFC supporter, who routinely appears at such events, might plan a surprise appearance at UFC 318. Despite previous instances of his enthusiastic participation at UFC events, and even manifest spur-of-the-moment appearances following critical political triumphs like his 2024 re-election, match officials seem less convinced of his attendance this time around.
The world of UFC and its avid fan base remain in suspense regarding whether they will once again witness the attendance of President Trump at UFC 318. Despite his high-profile appearances at past events, match officials do not anticipate his presence at the upcoming fight. His absence, though unexpected, will likely not diminish the event’s overall appeal.
Trump’s fondness for the UFC is not a new phenomenon. On America’s 250th Independence Day, he floated the idea of hosting a UFC match on the White House lawn. He envisioned a grand celebration witnessed by more than 20,000 spectators, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history through one of its finest sporting spectacles.
Beyond the UFC, Trump’s involvement in sports-entertainment is well-documented. His contributions to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) were significant enough to earn a place for him in WWE’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Hence, it comes as no surprise that he grasps the entertainment aspects of showdowns in and around the ring quite intuitively.
As we gear up for UFC 318, let’s delve into some specifics. The event will unfold on a Friday, the nineteenth day of July, 2025. The fight will commence at precisely 5:15 p.m. at the grand Smoothie King Center, located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
The event that has been capturing the headlines is billed to star Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier, a local sensation from Louisiana. In what is set to be the crowning journey down the path to the Octagon, he is expected to square off against Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway and contend for the coveted BMF (Baddest Mother F—er) Championship.
This intriguing matchup is essentially a trilogy bout that has been imminent for several years. Poirier and Holloway have a history of fierce battles—twice before, they have stood opposite each other in the ring, each encounter thrilling in its own right.
Going back to the fighters’ spectacular history, Poirier has emerged victorious in both their previous encounters. The first was back in 2012 when Holloway stepped into the UFC sphere for the very first time. During Holloway’s debut, Poirier marked a signifying moment in his career by handing Holloway his first-ever professional defeat.
Their competitive rivalry would continue seven years later during UFC 236. The bout for the interim lightweight title saw Poirier exert dominance over Holloway across five grueling rounds. These moments in history further embellish the anticipation surrounding their upcoming third encounter.
A Lafayette native, Poirier, holds a special place in the hearts of local fans. With the declaration of this being his last walk to the Octagon, the stakes for UFC 318 just got higher. A triumphant ending at home turf would be a fitting farewell for this admired Louisiana son, marking the conclusion of his illustrious UFC career.
While the Poirier vs. Holloway trilogy is capturing the limelight, the fight card is complemented by Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. These two well matched fighters will be locking horns in what promises to be an explosive co-main event, adding further exhilaration to an already action-packed UFC 318.