LIVE 1 LIVE 2 LIVE 3 LIVE 4 LIVE 5
The Biggest Fight of 2025 is Here
The UFC is set to deliver another historic night as Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier step into the Octagon for their long-awaited trilogy fight at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025. This isn’t just another pay-per-view—it’s the culmination of a decade-long rivalry between two of the greatest lightweights in MMA history.
With both fighters holding a win over each other, this third encounter is the ultimate tiebreaker. Will Holloway’s striking volume and cardio overwhelm Poirier, or will “The Diamond’s” power and grit secure his legacy?
In this in-depth UFC 318 preview, we’ll break down:
✔ The Holloway vs. Poirier 3 main event – Why this fight is a must-watch
✔ The stacked co-main event and full fight card
✔ Expert predictions and betting odds
✔ How to watch UFC 318 live online (PPV details)
✔ Exclusive behind-the-scenes insights
Let’s dive in!
Holloway vs. Poirier 3: The Fight That Defines a Generation
The History Behind the Rivalry
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier first clashed at UFC 236 in 2019 in an interim lightweight title fight that many consider one of the greatest battles in UFC history. Poirier won via unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year candidate.
Their second fight at UFC 300 in 2024 saw Holloway even the score with a dominant five-round performance, proving his evolution as a fighter. Now, at UFC 318, the stakes couldn’t be higher—this is for legacy, pride, and possibly a title shot.
Fight Breakdown: Strengths & Weaknesses
Max “Blessed” Holloway (26-7-0)
✅ Unmatched volume striking – Throws 1,000+ strikes in five-round fights
✅ Elite cardio – Gets stronger as the fight progresses
✅ Improved takedown defense – Shut down Poirier’s grappling in their last fight
❌ Can be hurt by power shots – Poirier’s left hand is a major threat
Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (30-8-0, 1 NC)
✅ Devastating boxing combinations – One of the best boxers in MMA
✅ Superior power in hands – 15 KO/TKO wins in his career
✅ Clutch performer – Thrives in high-pressure fights
❌ Stamina concerns late in fights – Holloway’s pace could be a problem
Prediction: Who Wins the Trilogy?
This fight will likely come down to pace vs. power. If Holloway can keep Poirier at bay with his jab and volume, he could cruise to a decision. But if Poirier lands clean early, he could put Holloway in trouble.
Our Pick: Holloway by unanimous decision in another classic.
UFC 318 Full Fight Card & Preview
Co-Main Event: Grasso vs. Fiorot – Women’s Flyweight Title Fight
Alexa Grasso (18-4-0) vs. Manon Fiorot (13-1-0)
After dethroning Valentina Shevchenko, Grasso faces France’s rising star, Fiorot, in a striker vs. grappler showdown. Fiorot’s relentless pressure could be the key to victory, but Grasso’s submission threat makes this a must-watch.
Other Key Fights on the Card
✔ Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili (Bantamweight Bout) – Will O’Malley’s striking overcome Merab’s wrestling?
✔ Jailton Almeida vs. Tom Aspinall (Heavyweight Showdown) – A potential #1 contender fight
✔ Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry (Welterweight Battle) – Two undefeated killers collide
(Full fight card listed at the bottom of this article.)
How to Watch UFC 318: PPV Start Time & Streaming Info
📅 Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
⏰ Start Time:
- Early Prelims: 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT
- Prelims: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Main Card (PPV): 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Where to Stream UFC 318 Live
- UFC PPV on ESPN+ (Order Here)
- UFC Fight Pass (International viewers)
- Local Cable Providers (Check listings)
(Note: A VPN may be required for international viewers.)
Betting Odds & Best Bets for UFC 318
(As of July 15, 2025 – via DraftKings)
Fight | Favorite | Underdog |
---|---|---|
Holloway vs. Poirier 3 | Holloway (-150) | Poirier (+130) |
Grasso vs. Fiorot | Fiorot (-120) | Grasso (+100) |
O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili | O’Malley (-180) | Dvalishvili (+155) |
Best Value Bet: *Poirier by KO/TKO (+250)* – If he lands clean, it could be an early night.
Final Thoughts: Why UFC 318 is a Can’t-Miss Event
UFC 318 is stacked from top to bottom, but the Holloway vs. Poirier trilogy is the real selling point. These two warriors have given us two all-time classics, and this third fight could be the best yet.
Will Holloway cement himself as the better fighter, or will Poirier prove he still has his number? Tune in on July 19 to find out!
Full UFC 318 Fight Card
Main Card (PPV – 10 PM ET)
- Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3
- Alexa Grasso (c) vs. Manon Fiorot – Women’s Flyweight Title
- Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
- Jailton Almeida vs. Tom Aspinall
- Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+ – 8 PM ET)
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Movsar Evloev
- Michel Pereira vs. Jack Della Maddalena
- Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Mario Bautista
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass – 6:30 PM ET)
- Joaquin Buckley vs. Nassourdine Imavov
- Tracy Cortez vs. Maycee Barber
SEO-Optimized External Links for Further Reading
- UFC Official Site – Holloway vs. Poirier 3 Preview
- ESPN MMA – Latest UFC 318 Betting Odds
- MMAFighting – Fighter Interviews & Analysis
- Sherdog – Historical Fight Data
- Bloody Elbow – UFC 318 Predictions