UFC 318 Analysis: A Mixed Bag
UFC 318, marked by the expected retirement fight of Dustin Poirier against Max Holloway, offered a night of mixed emotions. While the main event met expectations, the rest of the card left bittersweet feelings.Evaluation of the Fights
Below, we analyze each fight from UFC 318, evaluating the performance of the fighters and the quality of the matchups.
Women’s Flyweight: Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari
Result: Judice defeated Caliari by TKO in the third round.Rating: B+
Judice seized the opportunity to fight in her home state, delivering an outstanding performance. A brutal knee to the body defined the fight in the third round. Judice demonstrated excellent footwork, precise striking, and solid takedown defense, solidifying her victory with a knee that left her opponent on the canvas. Judice, with her ability to finish fights, could become a prominent figure in the women’s flyweight division.Lightweight: Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway
Result: Holloway defeated Poirier by unanimous decision.Rating: B
Although it didn’t reach the explosive intensity that characterizes the BMF title, the fight was worthy of the “Fight of the Night” award, with dramatic moments from the start. Holloway was close to finishing Poirier in the early rounds, but “The Diamond” responded strongly. The fight was intense, although it seemed to hold back at times.Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey
Result: Ferreira defeated McVey by submission in the first round.Rating: B
Ferreira demonstrated impeccable technique, executing an armbar in the first round. With a fluid transition from side control, Ferreira caught McVey’s arm, securing the submission. Ferreira’s victory is highlighted by his refined technique.Heavyweight: Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski
Result: Spann defeated Brzeski by submission in the first round.Rating: B
Spann dominated Brzeski from the start, seeking a takedown and an arm triangle attempt. Finally, he achieved a submission by guillotine, demonstrating his grappling skill. The speed with which Spann finished the fight suggests that he could climb in the heavyweight rankings.Light Heavyweight: Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio
Result: Crute defeated Prachnio by submission in the first round.Rating: B
Crute, in need of a victory, submitted Prachnio with an armbar. Prachnio has been vulnerable to submissions, and Crute took advantage of this weakness to secure the victory.Welterweight: Islam Dulatov vs. Adam Fugitt
Result: Dulatov defeated Fugitt by TKO in the first round.Rating: B
Dulatov secured his eleventh first-round finish in his UFC debut, showcasing patience and precision. Dulatov could be a dangerous competitor in the middleweight division.Average Weight: Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin
Result: Gautier defeated Valentin by TKO in the first round.Rating: B
Gautier dominated Valentin, securing the victory in the first round. Gautier continues to demonstrate his ability to finish fights quickly.Welterweight: Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Result: Rodriguez defeated Holland by unanimous decision.Rating: B- Although Holland did not achieve victory, he offered an entertaining fight. Rodriguez achieved the most important victory of his career.Welterweight: Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
Result: Veretennikov defeated Prado by split decision.Rating: C+
An entertaining fight that went the distance. Veretennikov prevailed in the third round.Average Weight: Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen
Result: Allen defeated Vettori by unanimous decision.Rating: C+
Allen won relatively comfortably and Vettori showed great resilience. Allen achieved victory, although the fight was not spectacular.Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira
Result: Oliveira defeated Phillips by unanimous decision.Rating: C+
Oliveira maintained constant pressure on Phillips, who was surpassed in the final rounds. Oliveira dominated the fight.Lightweight: Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Result: Johnson defeated Zellhuber by unanimous decision.Rating: C
Johnson, considered the underdog, achieved victory, demonstrating his experience. Johnson deserves recognition for his performance.Average Weight: Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
Result: Costa defeated Kopylov by unanimous decision.Rating: C
Costa controlled the fight, preventing Kopylov from gaining momentum. The victory keeps Costa in contention for the middleweight title.Peso Pluma: Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
Result: Pitbull defeated Ige by unanimous decision.Rating: C-
Pitbull secured his first victory in the UFC, although the fight did not meet expectations. Pitbull needed the victory.
