With the MMA world leader back on pay-per-view this weekend, now is a perfect time for some bold UFC 318 predictions.
The ESPN+ card will go down inside the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA, and be headlined by a BMF title fight when current champ Max Holloway defends the belt for the first time in a clash with Dustin Poirier. This will be the third time the two future UFC Hall of Famers have faced off. Poirier has won the first two bouts.
The card on Saturday night will also feature the Octagon return of fan favorites Paulo Costa, Kevin Holland, and Michael Johnson. With all of that in mind, we offer up our UFC 318 predictions for the evening’s main card scraps.
Also Read: UFC BMF Rankings – Ranking the 10 Baddest UFC Fighters Right Now
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3
Despite being entertaining fights, there is little doubt that Poirier was the better man in his two previous matchups with Holloway. And he defeated the Hawaiian at both featherweight and lightweight. However, Holloway is a far better fighter than he was the first time in 2012. And when he made the move up in 2019, it was not done in the most optimal way for his body.
That, along with Poirier being 36 years old, may be why “Blessed” is the favorite heading into Saturday. With this being the former interim lightweight king’s last fight, it is sure to be a violent barnburner. However, Holloway has better prepared himself to be a natural lightweight this time and is closer to his prime than “Diamond.”
Prediction: Holloway by unanimous decision
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
There was a time when Paulo Costa was one of the most dangerous men at middleweight. However, with one win this decade, that reputation is long gone. Yet, his recent losses came against former champions or title challengers. He won’t be getting that caliber of foe at UFC 318 in Roman Kopylov. Nevertheless, the Russian is a striker to take very seriously.
The big question is, how dedicated is Costa to being an elite fighter again? At 34, he is in the final years of his prime. If he comes into the bout serious about the remaining years of his career, he should score a hard-fought win.
Prediction: Costa by unanimous decision
Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez has UFC 318 Fight of the Night potential. Both are tough strikers willing to throw down in a standup war. The funny thing is, while Holland has way more fights and will be in his 27th UFC bout this weekend, he is the fighter who has more long-term upside.
Holland is only 33 and remains a dangerous fighter. On the other hand, the athleticism of the 38-year-old Rodriguez has declined in recent fights. Although he has a pair of wins in his last two. With “D-Rod” not being a fighter that takes the action to the ground, where “Trailblazer” is weakest, Holland will end up being too fast for him on the feet.
Prediction: Holland by TKO, Round 2
Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
If Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull had joined the UFC six years ago, he could have gone on a run that earned him a title shot. However, being near 40 at the lower weight classes and trying to compete with elite fighters is extremely tough. He will get a more favorable matchup at UFC 318 against Dan Ige than he got in his debut. But the Hawaiian is very good at making fights ugly and forcing foes to grind out wins against him. The Brazilian won’t be able to do that on Saturday.
Prediction: Ige by split-decision
Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Mexico’s Daniel Zellhuber is an entertaining fighter who is capable of winning bouts on the feet and mat. That is why he is very likely to utilize his grappling against 30-fight UFC veteran Michael Johnson on Saturday. It is impressive that the American remains relevant at 39 and has won three of his last four. But at this point in his career, youth and speed are a big problem. “Golden Boy” has both and some other dangerous skills to bring to bear on the UFC vet.
Prediction: Zellhuber by submission, Round 1
