The UFC is back in New Orleans to grant former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier a proper sendoff for an otherwise legendary MMA career by concluding

NEW ORLEANS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Friday's UFC 318 fighter weigh-ins. The early weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in New Orleans and precede the ceremonial weigh-ins for the fans, which take place at 6 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. The same venue hosts Saturday's event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).

Bettors must then place a £1 qualifying wager on the over 4.5 rounds on Holloway vs Poirier at the normal price. If the fight does go beyond five rounds, you’ll receive a cash payout at the normal odds and £30 in free bets.

With 14 scheduled fights, UFC 318 will almost certainly feature some highlight-reel finishes and boasts several fighters that are serious knockout threats.

Max Holloway is feeling much better at lightweight this time around now that there are no plans for a featherweight return.