UFC 318 Full Card Breakdown: Picks, Previews, and Predictions

Overview

UFC 318 is stacked top to bottom with intriguing matchups, rising contenders, and legacy-defining fights. From future title challengers to seasoned veterans and newcomers making their mark, this card offers something for every kind of fight fan. Let’s break down each fight and lock in our picks for the weekend.

Carli Judice vs Nicolle Caliari 

Judice will enjoy a clear advantage on the feet with her length and striking range. However, Caliari will be aggressive in looking for takedowns, and once she gets this fight to the ground, she can control and wear down Judice. If she plays it smart and goes position over submission, she has a great chance to win two of the three rounds.

Pick: Nicolle Caliari

Brunno Ferreira vs Jackson McVey

McVey steps in on short notice here, and while his 6’4” frame and reach are interesting, this fight feels tailor-made for Brunno Ferreira. Ferreira has big power, slick submissions, and far more UFC experience. Expect him to come forward early and look to get McVey out of there before the judges are needed.

Pick: Brunno Ferreira

Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski 

Ryan Spann may be newer to the heavyweight division, but he brings light heavyweight speed and sharp tools. Despite his loss to Waldo Cortez-Acosta, Spann remains a dangerous, explosive athlete. Brzeski is durable and game, but Spann’s power, movement, and grappling upside should be enough to get the job done.

Pick: Ryan Spann

Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio 

Classic striker vs grappler matchup. Prachnio will have the edge on the feet, but Crute's wrestling and youth give him the tools to dictate where this fight takes place. While Crute is unreliable at times, over three rounds he should be able to chain wrestle and eventually find a submission.

Pick: Jimmy Crute

Adam Fugitt vs Islam Dulatov 

The odds say it all. Dulatov is slick on the feet and should pick Fugitt apart over three rounds. Fugitt will attempt to wrestle, but Dulatov’s defense and counters are strong. Fugitt is durable so this might go the distance, but he simply doesn’t have many paths to win.

Pick: Islam Dulatov

Ateba Gautier vs Robert Valentin 

Gautier brings speed, power, and aggression to the table. Valentin has had durability issues, and that doesn’t mix well against someone who throws heat early. Gautier should be able to connect clean in the first few exchanges and end this one before it really gets going.

Pick: Ateba Gautier

Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov 

Prado has heavy hands and can mix it up, but moving up a weight class has shown to be problematic for him. Veretennikov is the bigger man and can keep this fight standing where he has the edge. Expect a close decision with Veretennikov doing just enough to earn the nod.

Pick: Nikolay Veretennikov

Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen 

Vettori is well-rounded and durable, but Allen brings the more dangerous grappling game. While Vettori has developed his striking, Allen is fearless in scrambles and has held his own against tougher opponents than Marvin recently. Allen should win this one on the mat.

Pick: Brendan Allen

Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliveira 

Vinicius Oliveira is on a tear and has proven he can deal with elite grapplers. Phillips gassed hard in his last fight, and if he doesn’t get a finish early, Oliveira’s pressure and cardio will take over. Expect Vinicius to push the pace and secure a decision win.

Pick: Vinicius Oliveira

Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber 

Johnson is dangerous and experienced, but this feels like a showcase for Zellhuber. With his length, jab, and youth advantage, Zellhuber can keep this at range and pile up damage. As long as he avoids big counters, he should be able to either get a finish or win on the cards.

Pick: Daniel Zellhuber

Dan Ige vs Patricio Pitbull 

Pitbull is a legend, but at 38 years old and coming off a flat UFC debut, he might be cooked. Ige is younger, faster, and still hungry. His durability and volume should overwhelm Pitbull over the course of three rounds.

Pick: Dan Ige

Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez 

This is a great matchup for Kevin Holland. Rodriguez won’t wrestle, and Holland thrives in striking battles. With his length, power, and awkward rhythm, Holland should be able to pick Rodriguez apart and likely find the finish.

Pick: Kevin Holland

Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov 

This will be a striking battle, and while Costa has more power, Kopylov has the sharper volume and better pace. Costa’s motivation and cardio remain big questions. If Kopylov avoids the big shots early, he can outwork Costa to win a decision.

Pick: Roman Kopylov

Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 

This fight is razor close and emotional. Both are legends, but the sense is that Poirier is going out in his retirement fight looking for a war. That may play into Holloway’s hands. Max has evolved significantly since their last fight and should have the volume and durability edge over five rounds.

Pick: Max Holloway

Conclusion

UFC 318 is packed with bangers and stylistic clashes that should deliver fireworks from the opening bell to the main event. Whether you're tuning in for the legends, the prospects, or the betting angles, there’s something here for every fan. Let’s cash some slips and enjoy the violence this weekend.