Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen at UFC 318 | Preview & Prediction
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The number 10 and 11 ranked Middleweights are set to clash in a bout that will push one man closer to the title picture, while also giving both Vettori and Allen the chance to settle a personal rivalry that escalated into a brawl at a Las Vegas casino last year.
Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen facts
What time are Marvin Vettori and Brendan Allen expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 318? Smoothie king Center, New Orleans, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 318? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 318
What TV channel is UFC 318 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
Where can I stream UFC 318? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 318 main card
Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier (Lightweight)
Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)
Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Dan Ige vs Patrício Pitbull (Featherweight)
Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber (Lightweight)
UFC 318 prelims
Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen (Middleweight)
Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov (Welterweight)
Ateba Abega Gautier vs Robert Valentin (Middleweight)
Adam Fugitt vs Islam Dulatov (Welterweight)
Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio (Light Heavyweight)
Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski (Heavyweight)
Brunno Ferreira vs Jackson McVey (Middleweight)
Carli Judice vs Nicolle Caliari (Women’s Flyweight)
Marvin Vettori: Immovable Object
Marvin Vettori is one of the most durable fighters ever to set foot in the Octagon. The former title challenger has never been finished, despite sharing the cage with some of the hardest hitters in the division’s history — including Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze (twice), and Israel Adesanya (also twice). The “Italian Dream” has shown an iron chin but an absence of venom in his fists. Despite his physical strength and high-level boxing, his strikes often lack fight-ending power, with seven of his nine UFC victories coming by decision.
Brendan Allen: Unstoppable force
Brendan Allen has made notable strides in his striking in recent years. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Allen initially relied heavily on his grappling upon entering the UFC. Since then, he has evolved into a well-rounded fighter, now comfortable trading on the feet with some of the most polished strikers in the division. This development not only allows him to compete standing, but also creates openings for his takedowns. Once the fight hits the mat, Allen can utilise the most dangerous aspect of his game — his submission skills — as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 14 career tapouts.
Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen prediction
Of all the fights at UFC 318, none carry more animosity than this one. In August last year, Allen and Vettori clashed at a Hard Rock Casino following a PFL event — a verbal exchange that escalated into a brawl, with Allen landing several punches but causing no serious damage.
While emotions will be high, that encounter is unlikely to affect the dynamics of this sanctioned bout. Allen will likely use his speed to land sharp one-twos and circle out, mixing in takedowns when openings appear. Vettori, by contrast, tends to push forward while throwing higher volume. Allen’s shots carry more power, and if he secures top position, it should be enough to win him the round.
Allen rightly enters as the favourite, especially with Vettori looking flat in his recent outing against Roman Dolidze. Still, if he isn’t completely washed then there’s value in Vettori as the underdog — he has superior cardio, higher output, strong durability, and has been training with PFL champion Johnny Eblen, an ideal partner for takedown defence.
The safer play for this one is ‘Fight goes to decision’ — a solid parlay piece to pair with some of the card’s more heavily backed favourites.
Prediction: Fight goes to the distance
