On July 19, 2025, the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted an unforgettable night for MMA fans with the prelims of UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3. The event marked the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to the city after a decade, featuring a series of preliminary fights that ended in finishes and thrilling decisions, showcasing new talents and veterans. Broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN, the event began at 6 p.m. local time and set the stage for the main card, highlighted by the “BMF” title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. The night was defined by dominant performances, such as Carli Judice’s technical knockout to open the event, and other bouts ending in under one round, keeping the crowd in a frenzy. The event reinforced UFC’s ability to deliver high-level entertainment and cemented New Orleans’ relevance in the MMA scene.
The atmosphere at the Smoothie King Center was electric, with the local crowd passionately supporting athletes, especially Louisiana natives like Carli Judice and Brendan Allen. Each of the first six preliminary fights ended before the time limit, with stunning finishes that showcased the competitors’ technical quality and aggression. The fights that went to decision, such as Nikolay Veretennikov vs. Francisco Prado, maintained the intensity with constant exchanges of strikes.
- Early highlights: Carli Judice opened the event with a technical knockout against Nicolle Caliari.
- Finishing streak: Five consecutive fights ended in the first round, with standout submissions by Brunno Ferreira and Islam Dulatov.
- Prelims closer: Vinicius Oliveira defeated Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision, showing resilience and precision.
The UFC 318 prelims not only warmed up the crowd for the main card but also solidified New Orleans’ reputation as a vibrant MMA city. The mix of local talent and international newcomers ensured a diverse and memorable spectacle.
Performances that stole the show
The UFC 318 prelims were marked by performances that captured the attention of fans and analysts. Carli Judice, a local fighter from Lafayette, Louisiana, opened the event with a dominant showing against Nicolle Caliari. At 26, Judice used her striking precision and footwork to control the fight from the start, culminating in a third-round technical knockout with a precise knee. The win marked her second consecutive UFC victory, reinforcing her potential as a flyweight prospect.
Another standout was Brunno Ferreira, who solidified his reputation as a relentless finisher. Facing Jackson McVey, the Brazilian secured an armbar submission in the first round, earning his second straight submission win. Known as “The Hulk,” Ferreira showcased versatility by combining his striking power with grappling skills, making him an increasingly dangerous figure in the middleweight division.
- Carli Judice: Technical knockout in the third round with a precise knee.
- Brunno Ferreira: Armbar submission at 3:35 of the first round.
- Islam Dulatov: Impressive debut with a knockout at 4:06 of the first round.
- Ateba Gautier: TKO at 1:10 of the first round, maintaining his 2025 unbeaten streak.
The fast-paced prelims, with five consecutive first-round finishes, highlighted the athletes’ aggression and the UFC’s matchmaking quality. Each fight brought a unique element, from Judice’s refined technique to Gautier’s raw power, keeping fans glued to their seats.
Newcomers make their mark
UFC 318 also served as a platform for emerging talents, with newcomers like Islam Dulatov and Ateba Gautier leaving significant impressions. Dulatov, 26, made his octagon debut against veteran Adam Fugitt and stunned with a first-round knockout. Using his reach and precision, the Dagestani fighter landed a left hook that dropped Fugitt, followed by strikes that sealed the victory. His performance sparked talk of his potential to become a star in the welterweight division.
Ateba Gautier, another debutant, faced Robert Valentin and showed why he’s called “The Silent Assassin.” At just 23, the Manchester Top Team fighter needed just over a minute to end the fight with a flurry of strikes that left Valentin defenseless. Gautier, now with seven consecutive wins, all by finish, is quickly establishing himself as a middleweight threat.
- Islam Dulatov: Knockout with precise strikes in the first round.
- Ateba Gautier: TKO at 1:10, showcasing power and patience.
- Newcomer impact: Both fighters remain unbeaten in 2025.
These performances highlight the UFC’s ability to identify and promote new talent through programs like Dana White’s Contender Series, which has been a gateway for fighters like Dulatov and Gautier. Their blend of youth, technique, and aggression promises to shake up their divisions in the coming years.
Veterans reclaim their momentum
While newcomers shone, veterans like Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann used UFC 318 to reignite their careers. Crute, a 29-year-old Australian, returned to the octagon after a hiatus and a string of losses. Facing Marcin Prachnio, he showed resilience and intelligence, adjusting his strategy to secure an armbar submission late in the first round. The win marked his first victory since 2020, reigniting hopes that he can reclaim his status among the light heavyweight elite.
Ryan Spann, competing in the heavyweight division, dominated Lukasz Brzeski with a guillotine choke at 2:47 of the first round. Known for his versatility and finishing instincts, Spann proved he could be a force in the new weight class, especially if he maintains the focus that has sometimes eluded him. His performance was a reminder that, at 33, he still has much to offer in the UFC.
- Jimmy Crute: Armbar submission at 4:42 of the first round.
- Ryan Spann: Guillotine choke at 2:47, solidifying his heavyweight transition.
- Relevance: Both fighters snapped losing streaks with convincing wins.
The performances of Crute and Spann underscore the importance of reinvention in MMA, where veterans must adapt to compete with the new generation. Their victories in New Orleans show that experience and tactical adjustments can still make a difference in the octagon.
Fights decided by details
Not all prelim fights ended in quick finishes. Nikolay Veretennikov and Francisco Prado delivered a closely contested battle that went to the judges’ scorecards. Veretennikov, in his third UFC appearance, showcased sharp technique by escaping an armbar attempt from Prado and landing precise strikes on the feet. Despite fading late, he secured a split decision victory, marking his first UFC win. The fight exemplified the competitiveness of the UFC, where small details can determine the outcome.
Vinicius Oliveira, known as “Lok Dog,” also went to a decision against Kyler Phillips, but his performance was defined by resilience. After being rocked early, Oliveira recovered, using constant pressure and heavy strikes to turn the fight in his favor. The unanimous decision victory (29-28) solidified his status as a rising bantamweight, with four consecutive UFC wins.
- Nikolay Veretennikov: Split decision win in a technical, intense fight.
- Vinicius Oliveira: Overcame early trouble to win by unanimous decision.
- Competitiveness: Both fights showcased the UFC’s high technical level.
These closely contested bouts added depth to the prelims, showing that not all victories come from quick finishes but require strategy and endurance.
New Orleans as an MMA stage
The UFC’s return to New Orleans after a decade was a resounding success, with a packed Smoothie King Center and a vibrant atmosphere. The city, known for its lively culture and sports passion, embraced the event, especially with local fighters like Carli Judice and Brendan Allen. Their presence added an emotional element, with the crowd celebrating each win as their own.
Beyond the fights, the UFC organized a fan experience in the Smoothie King Center parking lot, featuring activities like photo ops with the UFC belt and athlete meet-and-greets. These initiatives strengthened the organization’s connection with fans and highlighted the importance of regional events for community engagement.
- Unique atmosphere: New Orleans’ crowd created an unforgettable vibe.
- Local fighters: Judice and Allen were cheered wildly by the audience.
- Fan experience: Activities outside the octagon boosted engagement.
The success of UFC 318 in New Orleans suggests the city could become a regular stop for UFC events, especially given the enthusiastic crowd response and the quality of the fights.
A perfect warmup for the main card
The UFC 318 prelims served as an ideal appetizer for the main card, which promised even greater excitement with the “BMF” title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. The string of quick finishes and competitive fights set a high bar, raising expectations for the rest of the night. Each victory, whether by knockout, submission, or decision, highlighted the diversity of styles and depth of talent in the UFC.
The night also underscored the importance of Dana White’s Contender Series as a platform for discovering new talent, with fighters like Dulatov and Gautier proving their worth on the biggest stage. For veterans like Crute and Spann, the event was a chance to show they still have much to contribute.
- Variety of outcomes: Finishes, knockouts, and decisions kept fans engaged.
- Emerging talents: Debutants like Dulatov and Gautier impressed.
- Veterans rising: Crute and Spann showed resilience and adaptation.
UFC 318, with its explosive prelims, reaffirmed why MMA continues to captivate fans worldwide, blending technique, excitement, and stories of perseverance into one unforgettable night.
