UFC 318 is truly an event for the people. We have a high-octane retirement fight with the BMF title on the line, multiple KO threats on the card from top to bottom, and a crossover bout with Bellator legend Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in his second UFC fight.
While there are no major titles on the line, this is one of those events that could feature entertaining, standup brawls from start to finish. We preview the main card and look at the UFC 318 odds.
View the latest UFC odds at Bovada
Main Event: Max Holloway (BMF Champion) vs. Dustin Poirier 3 Odds
- Holloway: -133
- Poirier: +112
- Total Rounds: 4.5
Records
- Holloway (26-8)
- Poirier (30-9)
In an age where sequels tend to fall short of the hype, we can’t help but think that when the final bell rings on Holloway vs. Poirier 3, we’ll be putting the trilogy up there with OG Star Wars.
Holloway vs. Poirier 1 was the coming-of-age story: Poirier, the more experienced fighter at the time, took advantage of a young Holloway in his UFC debut. Taking the rookie down in Round 1 and submitting him with a triangle armbar.
The second act lived up to its sequel status by delivering a five-round blockbuster for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Poirier had Holloway rocking early, but Holloway recovered in the 3rd and 4th rounds to make things interesting. But when the final bell rang, Poirier came out on top again, landing the heavier punches and surviving the brunt of Holloway’s strikes.
So, what’s in store for part three?
Like any good trilogy, this is the emotional payoff that leaves a mark on both their legacies. This time, Holloway holds the belt with a chance to cement himself as a UFC Hall of Famer. Poirier is fighting for the ultimate swan song as he’s ready to retire. Expect another blockbuster.
Holloway brings an iron chin and endless cardio to stay fresh deep into fights; Poirier has always been a slick, savvy boxer and was able to out-strike Holloway in their last bout.
Holloway has more to lose as he’s just had the biggest win of his career, a KO of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to grab the BMF title. He’s reached the peak of his experience, skill, and momentum; a loss to Poirier now can completely derail his ascent.
UFC 318 odds are close with the slight -133 edge understandably going to Holloway. Poirier, meanwhile, is coming off a competitive loss to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, tapping out to a D’Arce choke. The fight still went five rounds, showing that Poirier still has a lot left in the tank. For that reason, Poirier’s odds currently sit at +112.
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov Odds
- Costa: +225
- Kopylov: -275
- Total Rounds: 2.5
Records
- Costa (14-4)
- Kopylov (14-3)
When Costa faces Kopylov, it’ll be the story of two middleweights going in opposite directions.
Costa was once known as “The Eraser,” an undefeated wrecking ball in the UFC middleweight division. But after a humiliating loss to Israel Adesanya via TKO, it’s been mostly downhill from there. His fight dates have been sporadic due to contract disputes, and he’s lost three of his last four. We’re in the endgame for his UFC career; a win as a +225 underdog could revive it.
Kopylov, meanwhile, is on the rise. He’s had four wins in his last five, all by TKO, and has become one of the most underrated strikers in the division. A win over Costa will cement Kopylov as one of the top 10 middleweights and put him in the title picture.
Expect another entertaining standup bout on the card. Costa has knockout power that can strike at any moment. Kopylov is a southpaw kickboxer who is capable of flash KOs as well.
Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez Odds
- Holland: -440
- Rodriguez: +330
- Total Rounds: 2.5
Records
- Holland (28-13)
- Rodriguez (19-5)
We have another rematch on the card. Holland faced Rodriguez back in 2022 at catchweight (180 pounds), with Rodriguez losing by D’Arce choke in the 3rd round. But in that bout, Rodriguez took the fight just two to three weeks out. This time, he’ll have a full training camp to prepare, and both will be at 170 pounds (welterweight), their more natural weight.
Still, Holland comes in as the big -450 favorite. He’s managed to earn Performance of the Night in his last two fights and is likely one win away from facing a top-10 opponent.
Rodriguez needs an upset to revitalize his career. He’s won his last two fights and gets to employ a gritty style against a familiar opponent. He’s an underdog, but can win ugly.
Dan Ige vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire Odds
- Ige: -185
- Pitbull: +160
- Total Rounds: 2.5
Records
- Ige (19-9)
- Pitbull (36-8)
This is one of those fights that will settle pub arguments between MMA fans. Pitbull is a two-division Bellator champion (featherweight and lightweight), with 44 fights under his belt and numerous title bouts. He steps into the octagon for the second time in his career (he lost to Yair Rodriguez in UFC 314), looking to prove Bellator is a legit MMA promotion.
The gatekeeper is Ige. A UFC grinder who constantly roams the top 15, looking to prop up or knock down new talent thrown his way. With Ige favored at -183, UFC and the oddsmakers are asking Pitbull to prove he belongs. It’ll be a tough sell as Ige has won two of his last three fights while Pitbull has lost two of his previous three.
Interesting UFC Undercard Odds
- Marvin Vettori (+178) vs. Brendan Allen (-215)
- Allen has quietly been on the rise with a six-fight win streak. He’s a dangerous grappler.
- Vettori is a former title contender with a tough chin.
- Kyler Philips (+145) vs. Vinicius de Olivera (-170)
- Philips’ flashy striking style has given him the nickname “The Matrix.”
- Oliveira is from Brazil and is making his UFC debut. He already has a rep as someone with serious knockout power.
- Nikolay Veretennikov (+133) vs. Francisco Prado (-155)
- Both Prado and Veretennikov, both violent strikers, need a good showing here to break into more relevant fights. Expect both to try to end things early.
*Odds subject to change
