UFC 318 kicked off with a measured effort from veteran lightweight Michael Johnson against Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Daniel Zellhuber, who ultimately fell to unanimous decision. Johnson showcased his speed and skill, landing multiple clean shots before adding a knockdown in the second round.
In the co-main event, Paulo Costa bounced back from nearly three years of inactivity with a unanimous decision win over Roman Kopylov, as he regained his aggressive form in the Octagon. The former title challenger looked sharp, utilizing all his weapons to get his opponent flinching multiple times before dominating the later rounds.
Meanwhile, Daniel Rodriguez picked up his second win of the year against Kevin Holland, showcasing his resilience and determination after being hurt twice in the second round. He rallied to finish the fight in mount, securing a unanimous decision victory.
Patricio Pitbull also secured a unanimous decision win over Dan Ige, displaying improved grappling skills and landing effective shots to secure his first UFC victory. The Brazilian’s performance brought him level with his counterparts in the UFC, setting him up for potential future rankings.
The main event of the night saw Max Holloway successfully defend his BMF championship against Dustin Poirier, putting on a thrilling display of speed and skill that culminated in a unanimous decision victory. Despite being favored by many to win, Holloway’s performance was all about defense, with him out-pacing Poirier in volume.
UFC 318 ultimately proved to be an exciting night of fights that showcased the skills of its talented fighters.
Source: https://www.ufc.com/news/main-card-results-highlights-winner-interviews-ufc-318-holloway-vs-poirier-3-new-orleans