UFC 318 Main Match Card Highlights and Results: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier, Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov and More | International Sports News

Image through Imagn: Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier at UFC 318

UFC 318 marked the top of an period as Dustin Poirier mentioned goodbye to MMA. In his personal phrases: “Paid in full, earned in blood.” The New Orleans supercard delivered 14 action-packed fights, 6 resulted in finishes, whereas 8 went the gap. Here’s a fast take a look at the principle card highlights.

1- Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier BMF title struggle

Holloway dropped Poirier twice in Round 1 with high-volume signature strikes, however Poirier recovered shortly. In Round 2, Holloway stayed aggressive, touchdown clear combos that despatched Poirier to the mat once more. Poirier fought again, chopping Holloway below the attention and trying a late guillotine. Jump the Gilly foolish! Round 3 noticed an unintentional scratch close to Poirier’s left eye, however he selected to proceed. Poirier picked up the tempo in Round 4, however Holloway remained composed, touchdown cleaner pictures. In the ultimate spherical, Holloway’s quantity clashed with Poirier’s energy. After a short eye poke, they brawled within the ultimate seconds. Holloway landed large pictures, rocking Poirier simply earlier than the bell. Poirier survived to listen to it, closing out an epic, emotional retirement struggle. The post-fight interview featured an emotional tribute video to one of many best non-undisputed champions in UFC historical past.

2- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov

Originally scheduled for UFC 317, the bout was rescheduled for UFC 318 after Costa fell sick. In Round 1, Costa got here out aggressively, outlanding Kopylov 41-11 in important strikes and leaving him bloodied. He maintained management in Round 2, mixing up his assaults whereas Kopylov remained hesitant. In Round 3, Kopylov landed a strong shot, however Costa absorbed it and stayed composed. The struggle went the gap, with Costa successful by unanimous choice. Post-fight, the Brazilian referred to as Khamzat Chimaev a coward.

3- Daniel Rodriguez vs. Kevin Holland

Both fighters landed the identical important strikes in Round 1 with 32. Holland suffered a lower below his left eye. In Round 2, Rodriguez dropped Holland with a stiff jab and managed him on the bottom, regardless of his nook urging him to face up. Though Rodriguez confirmed some fatigue, he edged the spherical.Round 3 noticed Holland rally with heavy pictures, however Rodriguez recovered, mounted him, and completed sturdy. Rodriguez received by unanimous choice. This was his third straight win in a bout worthy of ‘Fight of the Night.’

4- Patricio Pitbull vs. Dan Ige

Patricio Pitbull dominated the primary two rounds, leaving Dan Ige bloodied by Round 2. In Round 3, Ige landed a powerful knee that briefly rattled Pitbull, however the veteran recovered shortly and regained management. Pitbull secured a unanimous choice victory, marking his first win within the UFC after shedding his debut in opposition to Yair Rodriguez in Miami.

5- Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber

The light-weight veteran opened the principle card with a degree to show, and he did simply that. Michael Johnson outworked the youthful Daniel Zellhuber to earn a unanimous choice win. Speaking to Daniel Cormier afterward, Johnson mentioned he served Zellhuber some “humble pie.” This marks Johnson’s third straight victory, with two coming by unanimous choice.Also learn: Paulo Costa explodes after disturbing Khamzat Chimaev DMs to his girlfriend forward of UFC 318 conflict