SleepyJ and MeanGene break down UFC 318 full main card. 🥋 Poirier's Retirement Impact: Analysts felt emotional but hopeful about Dustin Poirier's retirement, noting his prime condition and consistent top-tier performances.📊 Zaluber vs Johnson Breakdown: Daniel Zaluber was favored due to his grit, submission potential, and Johnson's 9 career submission losses.💣 Johnson's Downslide: Michael Johnson's pattern of making tactical mistakes and gassing out was highlighted as a major risk.🥇 Pitbull Over Ige: Dan Ige’s losses to elite fighters and lack of high-caliber wins made analysts favor Patricio Pitbull.🎯 Holland at 170: Kevin Holland was seen as significantly stronger and more focused at 170 lbs compared to 185, boosting his chances vs Rodriguez.🥋 Rodriguez's Durability: While tough, Daniel Rodriguez was expected to get out-struck and possibly submitted by the longer, faster Holland.⚠️ Costa’s Decline: Paulo Costa’s lack of significant wins since 2019 and reduced activity undermined confidence in him.💥 Kopylov's Rise: Roman Kopylov’s clean striking and improved gas tank made him a confident pick to beat Costa.👑 Poirier’s Legacy: Poirier's career, including fights against Aldo, Conor McGregor, and Makachev, was praised as elite and enduring.🧠 Holloway’s Knockout Risk: Max Holloway’s recent KO loss and weight fluctuations cast doubt on his mental readiness. Opening Commentary (Mean Gene and SSleepy J opened with light-hearted banter before introducing UFC 318, emphasizing its significance due to Poirier’s final fight. Event Context (SSleepy J detailed the location, significance of the matchup, and described the card as decent but driven largely by the Holloway-Poirier narrative. Poirier’s Legacy & Form (Mean Gene highlighted Poirier’s exceptional career and asserted he is still a top lightweight, possibly top 3-4, despite retiring. He cited his debut win and fights with McGregor and Holloway. Poirier's Impact (SSleepy J reflected on Poirier's rise during his own UFC fandom and lauded Poirier’s ability to go five rounds with Islam Makhachev, asserting Poirier is still elite. Zaluber vs Johnson Analysis (Both analysts backed Zaluber. SSleepy J suggested Zaluber by submission at +470, citing Johnson's nine submission losses. Mean Gene agreed, adding Johnson’s fight IQ issues and Zaluber’s toughness. Dan Ige vs Patricio Pitbull (Both analysts questioned Ige’s resume, noting his inability to beat top talent. Pitbull was seen as a value underdog with better grappling and more poise since debuting against Yair Rodriguez. Holland vs Rodriguez Breakdown (SSleepy J expected a cautious bout to go the distance at +165. Mean Gene disagreed, predicting Holland wins inside the distance (−150), citing Holland’s size, reach, and dominance at 170 lbs. Parlay Strategy (SSleepy J shared a betting parlay: Kopylov and Islam Dulatov. He doubted Costa’s skill and motivation, calling him more aesthetic than effective in recent years. Costa vs Kopylov (Both analysts saw Kopylov as a clear favorite due to Costa’s inactivity and low volume. Kopylov’s jab, improved cardio, and technical precision were praised. Main Event: Holloway vs Poirier (Unanimous agreement on Poirier: He’s more well-rounded, has home advantage, and a legacy to cap. Concerns were raised about Holloway’s mental readiness, KO loss, and inconsistency across weight classes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices