UFC 318 is set for Saturday, July 19, featuring a crucial preliminary bout between Francisco Prado and Nikolay Veretennikov. This matchup could be pivotal for both fighters, with the potential for the loser to be cut from the promotion.
Francisco Prado, at just 1-3 in the UFC, has had a tumultuous start but has also earned two performance bonuses during his tenure. He faces fellow fighter Veretennikov, who has yet to record a win in the UFC, going 0-2 with an additional loss from the Contender Series. Despite Prado’s relatively young age of 23, he seems to have entered the promotion prematurely, while 35-year-old Veretennikov may have missed his peak, spending significant time on the regional circuit.
The betting odds position Prado as a slight favorite at -148, with a fight outcome over/under set at 2.5 rounds. The bout will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, at 8:45 p.m. ET, and can be streamed via ESPN+ PPV.
Both fighters have their strengths and weaknesses. Prado has faced tough competition in the UFC, with losses to fighters who have performed well post-fight, including Jake Matthews and main card competitor Daniel Zelhuber. His third loss came during a challenging short-notice debut in Australia, making the circumstances difficult for a young fighter still adjusting to the professional landscape.
One of the notable drawbacks for Prado is his size; his reach of 69 inches is among the shortest in the welterweight division, and he has struggled physically against larger opponents. However, his speed and striking explosiveness have helped him land shots effectively. He tends to engage aggressively, although this leaves him vulnerable when closing the distance against taller fighters like Veretennikov.
On the flipside, Veretennikov has notable length, boasting a five-inch reach advantage, but has struggled with grappling defense in previous bouts. His fight statistics reveal limited output and a tendency to be controlled on the ground, facing challenges from fighters like Michael Morales and Danny Barlow. Veretennikov does have the ability to outland opponents, which could play a critical role in this matchup against a speedy striker like Prado.
Looking ahead to this bout, the fight may come down to strategic execution. Prado’s fast hands give him the potential to land significant blows if he can navigate Veretennikov’s reach, while Veretennikov’s grappling woes could open opportunities for Prado to exploit.
This matchup presents an intriguing scenario for fans to witness and could lead to either fighter turning their career momentum in a positive direction depending on how they adapt to each other’s fighting styles.