UFC 318: Poirier vs. Holloway IIIBig swings, bigger stories

UFC 318 is set to take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, headlined by a blockbuster trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway.

Two of the most accomplished and beloved fighters in UFC history are set to meet for a third time, and this could be the defining chapter in their storied rivalry.

First Fight (2012): A young Max Holloway made his UFC debut against Dustin Poirier at UFC 143. Poirier, already a rising contender, won by first-round submission—an early test for Holloway, who would later become a featherweight great.

Second Fight (2019): The stakes were much higher. Holloway, then the reigning featherweight champion, moved up to lightweight to challenge Poirier for the interim title. It was a five-round battle, with Poirier earning a hard-fought unanimous decision in one of the year’s most thrilling contests.

Now (2025): Holloway is riding a powerful resurgence, having reasserted himself as one of the pound-for-pound elites. Poirier, a veteran of countless wars, is still hungry for legacy-defining victories. With the series standing 2-0 in favor of Poirier, this third fight isn’t just about redemption for Holloway—it’s a shot at rewriting history.

This is striking excellence at its finest. Max Holloway is known for his relentless pace, unmatched cardio, and incredible volume. He’s the UFC’s all-time leader in significant strikes landed—constantly overwhelming opponents with pressure and precision.

Dustin Poirier brings calculated aggression, heavy hands, and fight IQ honed through battles with the sport’s best. His power and durability have carried him to victories over elite names like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dan Hooker.

Put these two in the cage again, and you have a recipe for violence.

🔥 This isn’t just a fight—it’s a potential Fight of the Year candidate, with major implications for both men’s legacy and the future of the lightweight division.