There might be more than one rapper making a walk-out appearance at UFC 318 alongside the fighters. The next UFC pay-per-view event is scheduled for July 19th in New Orleans, Louisiana. The location wasn`t chosen randomly – it`s Dustin Poirier`s hometown.
UFC President Dana White confirmed that the UFC 318 fight card is centered around the retirement bout of former Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier. In what will be the final fight of his distinguished career, Poirier will face BMF Champion Max Holloway in a five-round trilogy.
Poirier recently shared with Full Violence that Louisiana rapper Lil Wayne is set to join him for his final walk to the Octagon.
However, another fighter appearing on the same pay-per-view card, a former opponent of Poirier`s, has expressed his desire to walk out accompanied by a different `Louisiana legend`.
Michael Johnson Wants Boosie Badazz for UFC 318 Walk-Out; Dustin Poirier Approves
UFC veteran Michael Johnson is the most recent fighter to have knocked out Poirier with strikes.
Two years after Conor McGregor`s knockout of Poirier at featherweight and seven years before Justin Gaethje`s head kick finish, Johnson delivered a 95-second KO win over Poirier in the main event of UFC Hidalgo back in 2016.
Nearly a decade later, Johnson and Poirier are scheduled to compete on the same night. Johnson`s upcoming bout against Daniel Zellhuber will mark his 31st appearance in the UFC.
Following consecutive victories against Ottman Azaitar and Darrius Flowers, Johnson made a request to UFC President Dana White, asking for permission to walk out to the Octagon at UFC 318 alongside Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz.
In a post on X, Johnson wrote: “So if Dustin Poirier is walking out with Lil Wayne, Boosie Badazz, are you free on July 19th for UFC 318? Let`s make my walk out happen! Dana White, approve it”.
“Louisiana legends,” commented Poirier on his former opponent`s suggestion.
Michael Johnson Beat Legendary Lightweights In His Heyday
Michael Johnson is known as `The Menace` for good reason.
Johnson potentially could have reached lightweight title contention, were it not for a grueling three-round battle against the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2016.
The former top-5 ranked fighter holds victories over Poirier, Edson Barboza, and notably handed former interim champion Tony Ferguson his first-ever UFC loss before Ferguson embarked on his memorable 12-fight lightweight win streak.
Johnson is recognized for his explosive knockout power. He nearly spoiled Justin Gaethje`s UFC debut with his striking before `The Highlight` mounted a comeback to secure a knockout victory in 2017.
Holding a 15-15 record in the UFC, Johnson aims to achieve a winning record at UFC 318 in his fight against Mexico`s Daniel Zellhuber.
Rupert Hartwell