Everything we wanted and more as bitter rivals proved their worth and upcomers start to make names for themselves. Here's a recap and winners of our fantasy comp!
The rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira isn’t about hype or headlines. It’s about answers. Can Pereira adjust to the style that shut him down in their first meeting? Can Ankalaev silence the doubts about his title run with a definitive win?
What an event!! We were all expecting high energy, but I don’t think any of us imagined it would come from where it did. Absolutely blown away by some of the results.
Du Plessis is the reigning middleweight champ, 21–2, and he is making his third title defence. He is an awkward mover with heavy finishing instincts, ending 19 of his 21 wins inside the distance — 9 KOs, 10 subs. He has not lost in the UFC and has taken out big names like Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Cardio holds up well, his chin has been tested but never broken, and he has a knack for finding shots from odd angles.
As Khamzat Chimaev prepares to battle Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight crown, the spotlight is squarely on the Chechen-born Swede. Known for his explosive performances, unshakable confidence, and ability to finish fights early, Chimaev has quickly become one of the most feared and fascinating athletes in MMA.
What. A. Card. From the early prelims to the final bell, UFC 318 delivered high-energy action and some serious shake-ups to the leaderboard.