Lil Wayne could have some competition for the spotlight at UFC 318.
The UFC travels to New Orleans, Louisiana, for its next pay-per-view event on July 19. The reason for the location is simple: Dustin Poirier.
CEO Dana White has confirmed that the event was organised around the retirement fight of Poirier, who will face BMF Champion Max Holloway in a five-round trilogy bout.
Poirier also revealed that he will be joined by Lil Wayne, a Louisiana rapper, for his walk-out. Now, another fighter on the same card – and a familiar name from Poirier’s past – is hoping to make a similar entrance.
Michael Johnson wants his own Louisiana legend for UFC 318 walk-out
Michael Johnson is the last person to have knocked out Poirier with punches.
Between Conor McGregor’s featherweight KO and Justin Gaethje’s head kick years later, Johnson finished Poirier in just 95 seconds at UFC Hidalgo in 2016.
Now, almost a decade later, both men will share the stage one more time. Johnson is set for his 31st UFC fight, taking on Daniel Zellhuber.
Riding back-to-back wins over Ottman Azaitar and Darrius Flowers, Johnson has reached out to UFC president Dana White, asking for permission to walk out with another Louisiana icon – rapper Boosie Badazz.
“So if @DustinPoirier gets @LilTunechi to walk him out, @BOOSIEOFFICIAL you busy July 19th for @ufc 318?” Johnson wrote on X.
“Let’s SET my walk out OFF! @danawhite.”
Dustin Poirier backs Michael Johnson’s request to Dana White
Poirier responded to Johnson’s appeal with a two-word message of support: “Louisiana legends.”
The Menace had a solid run in the lightweight division. While a title shot was just out of reach, he held notable victories over Tony Ferguson, Poirier and Dan Lauzon.
Michael Johnson is 15-15 in UFC competition as of now. He hopes to make it a winning record when he takes on Mexico’s Daniel Zellhuber at UFC 318.
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