UFC 318 is shaping up to be a night of high stakes and even higher drama, with New Orleans playing host to a card stacked with pivotal matchups and a main event that’s got a little something for everyone – nostalgia, legacy, and the BMF belt on the line.
UFC 318 Updated
In the UFC 318 headliner, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier, a Louisiana native and perennial fan favorite, steps into the Octagon for what he says will be his final fight. He faces Max “Blessed” Holloway, the former featherweight champ and striking machine, in their third meeting, this time for the BMF title. For Poirier, it’s a chance to go out in front of his home crowd with gold and bragging rights. For Holloway, it’s about cementing his status as one of the most versatile and durable fighters of his era, and maybe sending Poirier off with a not-so-friendly farewell.
The UFC 318 co-main event sees Marvin Vettori, Italy’s most decorated MMA export, looking to prove his best days aren’t behind him. Vettori, a former title challenger, takes on Brendan Allen, a grappling ace with a knack for finishing fights and a recent string of impressive wins. Vettori wants to reestablish himself in the middleweight title picture, while Allen is hungry to break through to the division’s elite.
Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci, both Brazilian standouts, clash in a strawweight showdown. Ribas, known for her infectious energy and well-rounded skills, is looking to bounce back into contention. Ricci, nicknamed “Baby Shark,” has quietly climbed the rankings with her judo and jiu-jitsu, and a win here could catapult her into the top tier.
In the middleweight division, UFC 318 will see Ikram Aliskerov, a Russian sambo specialist with a penchant for quick finishes, meets Brunno “The Hulk” Ferreira, a Brazilian knockout artist. Both men have a habit of ending fights early, so don’t blink during this one.
Veteran Neil Magny, the UFC’s most prolific welterweight in terms of wins, faces Icelandic submission wizard Gunnar Nelson. Magny’s reach and cardio have frustrated many, but Nelson’s grappling is always a threat to snatch a limb and the win. For Magny, it’s about staying relevant in a crowded division; for Nelson, it’s a shot at climbing back toward the top.
Kyler Phillips, an American bantamweight with a flashy style, takes on Vinicius Oliveira, a Brazilian on a five-fight tear who’s finished most of his opponents in the first round. Phillips is looking to rebound from a recent decision loss, while Oliveira wants to keep his momentum rolling and break into the rankings.
The welterweight scrap between Adam Fugitt and Islam Dulatov brings together two fighters with something to prove. Fugitt, an American with a finishing instinct, is trying to string together wins in the UFC. Dulatov, a German-Chechen prospect and part-time fashion model, is unbeaten in the UFC and eager to show he’s more than just a pretty face.
Local favorite Carli Judice, who packs a punch in the women’s flyweight division, faces Brazil’s Nicolle Caliari. Judice, fighting out of Lafayette, is looking to make a statement in front of her home state fans. Caliari, with a solid record and international experience, has her own plans to spoil the party.
Finally at UFC 318, light heavyweight action features Australia’s Jimmy Crute, a relentless pressure fighter, against Poland’s Marcin Prachnio, a knockout artist with a history of fast finishes. Both are hunting for a win to get back on track and make noise in a division that’s always in flux.
For some, UFC 318 is a shot at glory; for others, it’s a last dance or a chance to break through. Either way, New Orleans is in for a show.
