UFC 318: Match Card and Predictions

UFC 318 is set for Saturday, July 19, 2025. The event takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Fans are in for a stacked night of action. A total of 14 bouts are scheduled across three cards. The main attraction is a highly anticipated trilogy fight. Max Holloway faces Dustin Poirier once again. Holloway enters as the reigning BMF Champion. Poirier will compete in his final UFC fight. The stakes are high for both fighters. Poirier leads the series 2–0. He won in 2012 and again in 2019. Holloway seeks revenge and legacy. Poirier wants to retire on a high note. 

The atmosphere will be electric in New Orleans. The card also features rising stars and hard-hitting veterans. UFC 318 promises action, emotion, and unforgettable moments. Fans should not miss this event.

How to Watch

• Early Prelims: 7 PM ET – UFC Fight Pass
• Prelims: 8 PM ET – ESPN / ESPN+
• Main Card: 10 PM ET – PPV

Main Card

• The UFC 318 main card features five explosive bouts. Headlining the event is Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier. It’s their third fight. Poirier won the first two (2012, 2019). Holloway now holds the BMF title. Poirier plans to retire after this match. The stakes are high. Holloway wants revenge. Poirier wants a perfect farewell. Odds favor Holloway slightly at –120. Poirier sits at even. Prediction: Holloway wins by decision, but Poirier’s KO power remains dangerous.
• Next, Dan Ige faces Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. Pitbull makes his UFC debut after a legendary Bellator run. Ige has more UFC experience. He’s tested in top-tier fights. Odds favor Ige at –155. Prediction: Ige wins by decision in a tough battle.
• In the middleweight clash, Paulo Costa meets Roman Kopylov. Both are knockout specialists. Costa returns after a long layoff. Kopylov is on a rise. He’s the favorite at –235. Prediction: Costa lands big early and scores a KO.
• Michael Johnson takes on Daniel Zellhuber at lightweight. Johnson brings veteran boxing. Zellhuber brings youth and grappling. Zellhuber is a big favorite at –400. Prediction: Zellhuber submits him.
• Finally, Ateba Gautier fights Robert Valentin. Gautier is a strong favorite at –400. Prediction: Gautier wins via TKO.

UFC 318 Prelims

• The UFC 318 prelims bring intense matchups. Marvin Vettori faces Brendan Allen in a grappler vs grappler showdown. Both are skilled on the ground. Prediction: Allen wins by decision.
• Kyler Phillips battles Vinicius Oliveira at bantamweight. Expect a high-paced striking war. Prediction: Phillips gets the TKO.
• Ikram Aliskerov meets Bruno Ferreira in a middleweight bout. Aliskerov has strong wrestling. Prediction: He wins via submission.
• Neil Magny was set to fight Gunnar Nelson, but Nelson pulled out. He suffered a torn hamstring. A replacement is yet to be announced. Fight status remains uncertain for now.

Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass)

• The early prelims at UFC 318 feature exciting matchups. Jimmy Crute faces Marcin Prachnio in a light heavyweight slugfest. Both have knockout power. Prediction: Crute wins via KO.
• Adam Fugitt takes on Islam Dulatov at welterweight. It’s a close matchup on paper. Prediction: Dulatov wins by decision.
• Carli Judice battles Nicolle Caliari in a women’s flyweight bout. Both are promising young fighters. Expect a competitive fight. Prediction: Judice wins via decision with sharp striking and control.

Main Event Focus

Max Holloway

• Nickname: “Blessed”
• Current Title: BMF Champion
• Strengths: Volume striking, cardio
• Motivation: Revenge + legacy

Dustin Poirier

• Nickname: “The Diamond”
• Career: 15+ years
• Strengths: Boxing, power, heart
• Final Walk: This is his last fight.

Fight Prediction

• Both are legends.
• Holloway will outpace Poirier.
• But Poirier’s power makes him dangerous.
• Expect fireworks in all five rounds.
• Final call: Holloway wins by close decision.

Fighters’ Words

• Holloway: “I’m ready. BMF stays with me.”
• Poirier: “Time to say goodbye. But I’ll go out swinging.”
• Pimblett: Predicts Holloway wins due to pressure on Poirier.
• Fans: Split down the middle.

Betting Odds Snapshot

Final Thoughts on UFC 318

UFC 318 is stacked. A farewell to Poirier. A revenge tale for Holloway. Knockouts are expected on the main card. Watch out for upsets too.

This event blends emotion, power, and drama. Expect fight night fireworks.

Top picks:

• Holloway over Poirier
• Costa by KO
• Ige outpoints Pitbull
• Zellhuber submits Johnson
• Allen edges Vettori