The highly anticipated third matchup between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier is set to be a tough act to follow. These two beloved UFC veterans will face off in what is expected to be a memorable battle, marking Poirier’s final fight before retiring in his home state of Louisiana at UFC 318. While the main event is grabbing global attention, the undercard features some equally compelling contests.
There are several intriguing narratives within Saturday’s undercard fights. UFC title contender Paulo Costa will test his skills against a formidable opponent, while Patricio “Pitbull” looks for redemption after a disappointing UFC debut. Kevin Holland is on a comeback trail, and the long-standing rivalry between Marvin Vettori and Brendan Allen, which even included an altercation in a casino lobby, adds an extra edge. Let’s break down three notable undercard matchups along with some additional fights worthy of attention.
Paulo Costa versus Roman Koperov had been scheduled for UFC 317 but was pulled at the last minute. Fortunately, the bout was quickly rescheduled. Both fighters are powerful strikers in the middleweight division and share the same age, 34. Koperov has displayed adaptability, particularly improving his wrestling after a loss to Anthony Hernandez. Despite concerns about Costa’s commitment to MMA, his fighting style remains exciting and rewarding to fans, offering a promising clash between two confident athletes.
Patricio Pitbull struggled in his debut UFC fight, a surprising result for such a celebrated Bellator champion. At 38, following career-altering neck surgery, Pitbull admits he will never be the same fighter. This upcoming fight against the consistent featherweight contender, Ige, suits his current stage. Ige, a seasoned gatekeeper in the featherweight division, is looking to add a notable name without facing the very top opponents. This fight serves as a perfect measuring stick for both.
Kevin Holland, known as “The Dutch Wonder,” surged onto the scene in 2020 with five consecutive wins, showcasing his dynamic style. However, he has since lost about two-thirds of his fights in the last four years, raising questions about his grappling defense and focus. After moving up to welterweight earlier this year, Holland has shown signs of resurgence with strong performances against Gunnar Nelson and Vicente Luque. Now, he faces Daniel Rodriguez, another welterweight striker trying to bounce back—promising an exciting clash between two fighters aiming to reestablish themselves.
Other matches to watch include Marvin Vettori versus Brendan Allen and Michael Johnson versus Daniel Zelhover, both featuring fighters with compelling backstories and potential for action-packed bouts.
Fan Take: This event is a treasure trove for fight fans, featuring not just a historic main event but also several fascinating undercard battles that could shape future title contenders. The blend of veteran resilience and rising talent highlights the evolving landscape of MMA, promising thrilling moments that keep the sport fresh and unpredictable.
