Dan Ige is set to face Patricio Freire on Saturday in the main card of UFC 318, taking place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom provides insights into this highly anticipated matchup.
Ige, sporting a professional record of 19 wins and 9 losses (11-8 in the UFC), is on the rebound after a previous rough patch of consecutive losses. He managed to secure a victory against Sean Woodson at UFC 314 in April, snapping his losing streak. This followed a brief notice fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 and a unanimous decision defeat to Lerone Murphy. Before his losses, Ige earned a performance bonus for a stoppage victory against Andre Fili, demonstrating his resilience and fighting spirit.
Conversely, Freire, a former Bellator champion with a record of 36 wins and 8 losses (0-1 in the UFC), is still searching for his first win in the UFC. He made his debut in April but lost to Yair Rodriguez. However, his last victory before joining the UFC came in March, where he stopped Jeremy Kennedy in the third round during his final fight with Bellator.
This matchup is being viewed as a crucial fight in the featherweight division, often described as a “BMF” scenario due to the caliber of both fighters. Freire is acknowledged for his impressive career outside of the UFC, while Ige has established himself as a reliable competitor within the organization, known for delivering exciting fights.
Considering Freire’s lengthy career and experience, some might assume he would have the upper hand. However, with Freire now on the downside of his career, and Ige being a durable and proven fighter, Tom predicts Ige will triumph, forecasting a knockout victory in the second round.
The betting odds reflect this sentiment, with Ige favored at -225 while Freire is listed at +180.
Fans can expect Ige and Freire to enter the cage around 10:40 p.m. ET, with the fight available for viewing on ESPN and ESPN+. This event not only highlights the growing talent in the UFC but also serves as a testament to the thrilling matchups that continue to emerge within the sport.
This weekend’s fight is particularly exciting as it showcases fighters from different organizations and brings together diverse fighting styles, which can be beneficial for the sport’s growth and fan engagement. Fans can look forward to a night of intense competition and sportsmanship.