Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the familiar confines of the Meta APEX for a 12-fight UFC Vegas 118 card, headlined by a high-stakes welterweight clash.

In the main event of the evening, former 170-pound titleholder Belal Muhammad will look to defend his top-five ranking against surging 11th-ranked contender Gabriel Bonfim.

Looking to lock in another shot at the division’s top prize, Muhammad will look to snap a two-fight losing skid after coming up short against Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry. Meanwhile, Bonfim is seeking the biggest win of his career after putting together a four-fight win streak inside the Octagon.

The co-main event features a similar story as No. 4 ranked middleweight standout Brendan Allen puts his spot on the line against Edmen Shahbazyan, a fight currently sitting outside the top 15. With a win in ‘Sin City,’ Shahbazyan could put himself in a prime spot for a future title shot while simultaneously bouncing ‘All In’ out of the title picture.

Rounding out the UFC Vegas 118 main card is the return of Bryce Mitchell, who looks to build off his big win over Said Nurmagomedov last year. Standing in his way is Santiago Luna, an undefeated fighter boasting a 2-0 record under the UFC banner.

UFC Vegas 118 Main Card

• Welterweight Bout: Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim
• Middleweight Bout.: Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbayzan
• Lightweight Bout: Fares Ziam vs. Tom Nolan
• Bantamweight Bout: Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna
• Light Heavyweight Bout: Iwo Baraniewiski def. Junior Tafa via TKO (leg kick to ground and pound) at 1:25 of Round 1.

UFC Vegas 118 Prelims

• Catchweight (130lbs) Bout: Alessandro Costa def. Matt Schnell via TKO (strikes) at 2:32 of Round 1.

• Bantamweight Bout: Marcus McGhee def. John Yannis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

• Flyweight Bout: Edgar Chairez def. Bruno Silva via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:13 of Round 1.

• Bantamweight Bout: Chelsea Chandler def. Priscilla Cachoeira via submission (arm bar) at 2:42 of Round 1.

• Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito def. Jordan Leavitt via submission (ninja choke) at 4:19 of Round 1.

• Flyweight Bout: Jeisla Chaves vs. Yuneisy Duben via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

• Strawweight Bout: Ketlen Souza def. Ariane Carnelossi via KO (head kick) at 1:34 of Round 1.

Craig Pekios

Craig Pekios is a freelance writer born and raised in Bettendorf, IA. Joining LowKick MMA in May 2022, Craig has more than 4,000 articles published that focus on the world of MMA and boxing, including news, event previews, results, analysis, and op-eds.