Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder compete in a pivotal middleweight clash weeks before Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev fight for the middleweight title. In the aftermath of UFC 318, the mixed martial arts promotion heads to Abu Dhabi.

Following UFC 318, here is what I think should be next for the stars of the event in Max Holloway who defended his BMF belt.

UFC 318 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois.

The 38-year-old Brazilian was a decorated commodity in the Bellator promotion, and his octagonal arrival was well-hyped but ultimately disappointing after a sleepwalk of a three-round loss to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in April.

In the main event this past Saturday night at UFC 318, the BMF title was on the line. Max Holloway (27-8) was looking to become the first man to defend the BMF belt while simultaneously playing the ultimate spoiler by defeating Dustin Poirier (30-10) in his retirement fight.

Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa won his first fight in almost three years by outpointing Roman Kopylov in the UFC 318 co-main event on Saturday. Costa used his signature body kicks to stifle and frustrate Kopylov throughout their three-rounder, and landed a big knockdown early on in the fight that led the way to victory.

Everything you need to know about the co-main event of the July 19 UFC 318 fight card. Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov - Odds, picks, predictions and more.

Saturday's UFC 318 card will be a tear-jerker for Dustin Poirier fans. The beloved lightweight legend is set to make his final walk to the Octagon in the card's main event, and he'll do so in front of legions of dedicated fans on home turf in New Orleans.

Holloway, a former Featherweight champion, is looking to bounce back after losing to Illia Topuria by knockout at UFC 208 last October. He won the BMF title at UFC 300, knocking out Justin Gaethje. He has a career record of 26-8, with 12 wins coming by knockout.