UFC - UFC #318
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by Stephen Abiola | in UFC Picks
UFC 318 will go down this weekend at Smoothie King Center with Kyler Phillips (12-3-0) and Vinicius Oliveira (22-3-0) clashing in the bantamweight category. Phillips, who is ranked No. 12 in the division, failed to break into the top 10 after losing to the seasoned Rob Font in October 2024. It was surprising to see “The Matrix” play second fiddle in most of that fight after winning his previous three fights. It’s understandable why the 30-year-old is demanding more from himself.
Vinicius “Lokdog” Oliveira, on the other hand, is the in-form fighter in this bout. The 30-year-old joined the UFC in September 2023 and has not tasted defeat. His last fight was in February of this year, where he defeated Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision in the third round. The Brazilian’s impressive run in the franchise has seen him break into the top 15 of the division’s rankings. He is the -157 betting favorite on Saturday.
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Kyler Phillips - Vinicius Oliveira Key Points
- The fight was decided by decision in five of the last six Phillips bouts.
- Oliveira won his last four UFC assignments.
- Oliveira won via decision in his last two UFC fights.
- The total rounds went over 2.5 in seven of the last eight Phillips fights.
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Our Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliveira Prediction
This will be one of the most evenly matched fights at the Smoothie King Center. Oliveira is an explosive striker, averaging 4.92 significant strikes per minute. Phillips is even better at it, averaging 5.28 significant strikes per minute. However, although Phillips also outmatches Oliveira in terms of wrestling, the Brazilian has momentum and power. He also boasts an impressive takedown defense accuracy of 76%, meaning he can prevent Phillips from taking him to the mat. Note also that Oliveira has two KO wins to his name in the UFC. He certainly has an edge here.
Our prediction for Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliveira: Vinicius Oliveira to win by decision.
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