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UFC 318 payouts: How much did Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway & others get paid? Reported & estimated salaries

Blesson has been a part of Khel Now since 2023, he covers Combat Sports & Gaming.
Published at :July 20, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Modified at :July 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier 3: Live streaming, TV channel, start time & where to watch UFC around the globe

(Courtesy : UFC)

UFC 318 featured the BMF title on the line in an action-packed main event!

UFC 318 delivered an unforgettable night in New Orleans as Dustin Poirier made his final walk to the Octagon in front of a roaring Louisiana crowd. In a thrilling BMF title bout, Poirier and Max Holloway settled their long-standing rivalry in a fight that lived up to every bit of the hype.

While fans were treated to highlight-reel moments, stunning finishes, and emotional farewells, the action behind the scenes was just as significant. New reports and historical payout trends offer insight into the estimated earnings of the night’s biggest stars, with Poirier cashing in big for his final UFC appearance.

As the dust settles on one of the most memorable events of the year, here’s a breakdown of what UFC 318’s headliners and top-tier fighters likely took home when all was said and done.

UFC 318 payouts

Max Holloway

Max Holloway may have walked into UFC 318 as the BMF Champion, but he left New Orleans with more than just a win. He left with a massive payday. In an emotional and action-packed main event, Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision, closing out their trilogy in dominant fashion.

According to multiple reports and historical payout data, Holloway was expected to earn a guaranteed $1 million for the fight. As the reigning BMF titleholder, he also received a share of the pay-per-view revenue, with estimates suggesting that his total payout could reach several million dollars. These PPV points significantly boost his earnings, especially given the card’s high buy rate and star-studded lineup.

While Poirier may have received additional incentives for his final UFC appearance, Holloway’s performance and market value ensured he walked away with one of the night’s biggest checks and a statement win to cement his legacy.

Dustin Poirier

All eyes were on Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, and the UFC ensured that his final Octagon walk came with a well-deserved payday. While the Lafayette native didn’t get the win in his BMF title clash against Max Holloway, he did leave the cage with one of the biggest paychecks of his career.

Based on past contracts, main event history, and his star power, Poirier was estimated to earn around $1 million in guaranteed money. Factoring in potential pay-per-view points, win bonuses (had he won), and discretionary payouts, his total earnings were still projected to exceed $5 million, even in defeat.

It’s a fitting send-off for one of MMA’s most respected warriors. From grueling five-round battles to highlight-reel knockouts, Poirier’s career has been defined by grit, class, and heart. Now, as he steps away from competition, “The Diamond” leaves behind a legendary legacy and a retirement fund that reflects it.

UFC 318 main card fighter earnings

Here’s a breakdown of what each featured fighter reportedly earned at UFC 318, factoring in base salary, win/performance bonuses, and estimated PPV share where applicable. These are estimated post-event figures based on previous contract data, reported trends, and insider analysis.

  • Dustin Poirier ~$5 million+
  • Max Holloway ~$3.5 million
  • Paulo Costa ~$700,000
  • Roman Kopylov ~$250,000
  • Kevin Holland ~$500,000+
  • Daniel Rodriguez ~$200,000
  • Dan Ige ~$160,000
  • Patricio “Pitbull” Freire ~$200,000
FighterBase PayBonusEstimated PPV ShareTotal Payout
Max Holloway$1,000,000—~$2.5M~$3.5M
Dustin Poirier$1,000,000Retirement incentive, discretionary~$4M~$5M+
Paulo Costa$700,000——~$700K
Roman Kopylov$150,000$100K (win bonus)—~$250K
Kevin Holland$400,000$100K (win/performance bonus)—~$500K+
Daniel Rodriguez$100,000$100K (win bonus)—~$200K
Dan Ige$120,000$40K (win bonus)—~$160K
Patricio Freire$150,000$50K (performance bonus)—~$200K

UFC 318 results

Main Card

  • BMF championship: Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision (487-47, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Middleweight: Paulo Costa def Roman Kopylov via by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Lightweight: Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Prelim Card

  • Bantamweight: Vinicius Oliveira def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
  • Welterweight: Nikolay Veretinnikov def. Francisco Prado via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin via TKO (punches) at 1:08 of R1

Early Prelim Card

  • Welterweight: Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt via TKO (punches) at 4:06 of R1
  • Light heavyweight: Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (armbar) at 4:42 of R1
  • Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:27 of R1
  • Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey via submission (armbar) at 3:35 of R1
  • Women’s flyweight: Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari via TKO (knee and punches) at 1:30 of R3

Who won in the main event of UFC 318?

Max Holloway won via unanimous decision (scores: two 49–47, one 48–47) against Dustin Poirier, retaining the BMF belt after a dramatic five-round war

Did Dustin Poirier retire after the fight?

Yes, Poirier officially retired in the Octagon, laying down his gloves following the main event.

Were there any performance bonuses awarded at UFC 318?

Yes, the UFC handed out $50,000 performance bonuses at UFC 318. The recipients were:Performance of the Night: Carli Judice, Ateba Gautier, and Islam DulatovFight of the Night: Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan AllenThese bonuses are in addition to fighters’ base pay and win bonuses.

How much did Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier earn at UFC 318?

Max Holloway reportedly earned over $2.6 million, including his base salary and potential bonuses. Dustin Poirier, in what may have been his retirement fight, took home approximately $1.6 million. Both fighters are believed to have received pay-per-view (PPV) points, which could significantly increase their final earnings.

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Blesson
Blesson

Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.

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