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+).

Dustin Poirier will receive a hero's welcome in his native Louisiana at UFC 318 when he battles Max Holloway for a third time in their careers. It's a respect Poirier earned from his peers and the promotion that they would take a PPV event to New Orleans for the first time in 25 years as a proper send off to one of the good guys in the sport's history.

Legendary Louisiana-based fighter Dustin Poirier is ready to host fans for his final UFC fight. This weekend, Poirier will face off against Max Holloway

After hinting at the possibility in recent weeks, Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) confirmed Wednesday that rap legend Lil Wayne will accompany him during his final UFC walk. Lil Wayne's presence won't deter Poirier from sticking with his classic walkout music, however. Poirier will still walk to James Brown's "The Boss" as he long has.