Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 318 | Preview & Prediction
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Two heavy hitters throw down in a must-win matchup that is unlikely to see the scorecards, as Ryan Spann takes on Lukasz Brzeski at heavyweight.
Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski facts
What time are Ryan Spann and Lukasz Brzeski 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)
Ryan Spann: Spann looks to rebound from a disastrous heavyweight debut.
Returning for his sophomore outing at heavyweight, Ryan Spann (22-11) looks to improve on a calamitous first showing at 265 pounds. A seemingly natural fit for his new weight class courtesy of his gigantic frame and crushing power, “Superman” was nevertheless completely destroyed in his divisional debut, losing by brutal second round KO to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in March. At his best, the former light heavyweight is capable of flatlining fighters of Dominick Reyes’ quality, but his durability and poor fight IQ have cost him too many times throughout his career to make him a reliable pick.
Lukasz Brzeski: Brzeski takes on another former light heavyweight.
The UFC run of Lukasz Brzeski (9-6-1, 1 NC) has decidedly not been smooth sailing for the hulking Polish heavyweight. Arriving on DWCS in 2021, “The Bull” tested positive for clomiphene following a submission win over Dylan Potter. Brzeski would still debut in the UFC a year later, but his career has been going rapidly downhill ever since. While he boasts a victory over current surging heavyweight standout, Valter Walker, the Pole is just 1-5 in his Octagon tenure, most recently losing by first round TKO to another former light heavyweight in Kennedy Nzechukwu.
Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski prediction
Considering that both fighters are coming off vicious knockout losses, the outcome of this match up is likely contingent upon who lands the first big strike.
The duo’s only mutual opponent, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, is categorically not Francis Ngannou in terms of punching power. However, he still knocked both fighters out with relative ease, highlighting the pair’s suspect chins in sharp relief. This fight appears set to be a classic race to the finish, a recipe that usually results in either a violent first round stoppage, or a three round staring competition after both combatants gas out early.
Unsurprisingly, Spann’s UFC experience and proven finishing ability makes him the oddsmakers’ surefire favorite. While Brzeski undoubtedly has power, it’s hard to ignore the fact that he has not scored a KO since 2020, was demolished by the last former light heavyweight that he faced and is a huge step down in competition from Cortes-Acosta. By contrast, Spann still hits like a Mack truck and boasts a nasty submission game to boot.
The safe pick is Spann by stoppage, but do not be surprised if “Superman” manages to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again.
Prediction: Fight will not go the distance
