The UFC returns with fireworks as UFC 318 gears up for one of the most anticipated trilogy bouts in recent MMA history: Max “Blessed” Holloway vs Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier 3. A fight that carries legacy, redemption, and championship ambitions, UFC 318 is shaping up to be a defining moment for both veterans and rising stars. Here’s everything you need to know—from the fight card to the date and what to expect when these two warriors meet once more in the Octagon.
Date & Start Time
UFC 318 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. As usual, the prelims will begin at approximately 6:00 PM (ET), followed by the main card at 10:00 PM (ET). Fans around the world can expect a full night of action, emotion, and possibly history.
Main Event: Holloway vs Poirier 3
This trilogy fight is about more than just a win—it’s about settling the score once and for all.
- Max Holloway, the former featherweight kingpin, has shown his resilience and adaptability in every fight. After stunning the world with a KO win over Justin Gaethje and a comeback run, he looks sharp and hungry for revenge.
- Dustin Poirier, the battle-tested brawler with a heart of gold, has already defeated Holloway twice. First in 2012 via submission, and again in 2019 via unanimous decision for the interim lightweight title. But this time, the stakes are different—both fighters are more evolved, smarter, and more complete than ever.
This isn’t just a fight for rankings. It’s about pride, closure, and legacy.
Co-Main Event: Paulo Costa vs Sean Strickland
In the co-main, chaos meets carnage as Paulo Costa takes on Sean Strickland in a middleweight showdown. Strickland, known for his unfiltered trash talk and granite chin, will face Costa’s explosive power and forward pressure. Expect a brawl from the very first bell.
Feature Bouts
- Tatiana Suarez vs Amanda Lemos (Women’s Strawweight)
Suarez, a dominant grappler returning from injuries, is eyeing a title shot, while Lemos, a heavy-handed striker, aims to spoil her rise. - Ian Garry vs Vicente Luque (Welterweight)
The undefeated Garry gets his toughest test yet against Luque, a crafty finisher with dangerous submissions and striking. - Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker (Lightweight)
Tsarukyan looks to continue his rise toward title contention, but Hooker, the battle-hardened brawler, is ready to stop him in his tracks.
Prelim Highlights
The prelim card is packed with promising talent and fan favorites:
- Raul Rosas Jr. vs Cody Stamann (Bantamweight)
- Angela Hill vs Lupita Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
- Marc Diakiese vs Terrance McKinney (Lightweight)
Final Thoughts
UFC 318 has all the ingredients of a classic: two legends clashing for the third and possibly final time, rising contenders fighting to break through, and a card stacked from top to bottom. Whether you’re watching for the technical brilliance of Holloway or the grit of Poirier, this is a night where anything can happen.
Expect fireworks, emotion, and moments that will live in UFC history forever.
