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Ige vs Pitbull UFC 318 – Preview, Stats & Results

  • Writer: Abhinand PS
    Abhinand PS
  • Jul 20
  • 3 min read

Dan Ige vs Patricio “Pitbull”: UFC 318 Featherweight Showdown

🥋 Context & Stakes

At UFC 318 (July 19, 2025), featherweight contenders Dan Ige (19‑9) and former Bellator legend Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (36‑8) collided in a pivotal matchup. For Ige, consistency in the 145‑lb division; for Pitbull, a critical opportunity to undo a rocky UFC debut and prove he belongs on MMA’s biggest stage Sherdog+15MMA Fighting+15MMAmania.com+15The Times of India+2Tapology+2MMA Fighting+2Tapology+2LowKickMMA.com+2MMAmania.com+2.


Two men face off intensely on stage, fists raised. Tattoos visible. "Louisiana" and "New Orleans" text in the background. Tense mood.

🔎 Fighter Profiles

Attributes

Dan Ige

Patricio “Pitbull” Freire

Age / Height

33 / 5′7″

38 / 5′6″ Tapology+5ESPN.com+5Sherdog+5

Stance / Style

Orthodox / Wrestling & Durable Striking

Orthodox / BJJ‑rooted, knockout/submission threat ESPN.comSherdog

Pro Record

19‑9 (undefeated by finish in losses)

36‑8, 13‑2 TKO, 11‑1 sub ESPN.comSherdog

Recent Form

Win vs Woodson by TKO; solid UFC tenure

Debut loss to Yair Rodriguez; now 1‑3 in last four MMA FightingMMA Fighting

📈 Prediction & Odds

Many analysts considered Ige the favorite at around –175, with Pitbull a +145 underdog. Ige’s slick striking and takedown defense were key; Pitbull needed to lean on his wrestling and BJJ to pull off an upset Sherdog+15MMAmania.com+15Cageside Press+15.

🔥 Fight Breakdown & Result

💡 Tactical Insights

  • Pitbull’s Game‑plan: He isolated, focused intensively in camp, and erased distractions—a mindset shift since UFC debut | BJPenn.comMMA Fighting+1| BJPenn.com+1.

  • Ige’s Response: Displayed durability and striking volume, stayed competitive in final rounds.

🔄 Implications Post‑Fight

  • Pitbull: Salvages UFC career, keeps momentum; potential path toward top‑15 contenders if he strings wins MMA Fighting.

  • Ige: Drops from contender discussions but remains tough; likely to regroup and reconfigure strategies vs ranked opponents.

🧭 What’s Next?

  • Pitbull is eyeing a climb back into top-10 featherweight contention.

  • Ige must reassess gameplan—perhaps tighten wrestling or evolve striking—to regain edge.

❓FAQs

Q: How did Pitbull win?A: By unanimous decision (29‑28), using early takedowns and consistent pressure MMAmania.comLowKickMMA.com.

Q: What was the key to Pitbull's turnaround?A: Mental focus—he moved away from distractions, isolated during camp, and sharpened execution MMA Fighting| BJPenn.com.

Q: Will Pitbull challenge for the UFC belt?A: Not immediately. But this win boosts his credibility; a few more victories could propel him into title contention.

Q: Can Ige bounce back?A: Audiences value his resilience and toughness. With tweaks to his grappling and volume striking, he remains a UFC fixture.

🔗 Internal & External Links

✅ Verdict

Patricio “Pitbull” Freire overcame early setbacks to secure a statement win, reaffirming his elite status in MMA. Dan Ige fought tough but couldn't prevent a veteran with championship pedigree from reclaiming his groove. UFC 318’s featherweight bout was a classic clash of grit and redemption.

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