UFC 318: The Middleweight Duel – Grappler’s Grit vs. Striker’s Precision

As the countdown to UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, intensifies, fight fans are keenly eyeing an undercard bout promising explosive action: the middleweight collision between Brazil`s Brunno `The Hulk` Ferreira and the United States` undefeated Jackson `The Moose` McVey. This pivotal encounter, set to unfold at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, serves as a compelling prelude to the much-anticipated third clash between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier.

A Classic Clash of Styles: `The Hulk` vs. `The Moose`

At its core, the Ferreira-McVey matchup is a quintessential “grappler versus striker” narrative, a strategic chess match where each combatant aims to impose their domain. Brunno Ferreira, known as `The Hulk,` brings a formidable ground game rooted in his Brazilian TKO Association training. With a professional record of 13 wins and only 2 losses, including 9 knockouts, Ferreira has proven his versatility. His recent submission victory over Armen `Superman` Petrosyan underscored his comfort and prowess in grappling exchanges, indicating a fighter who thrives when he can take the fight to the mat.

Conversely, Jackson `The Moose` McVey arrives with a perfect professional record of 6 wins and no defeats, all forged from a KO-trained arsenal at St. Charles MMA. McVey is a rising force, whose potent striking tactics were recently highlighted by his rendering of Mataeo “Top Ape” Garner defenseless. Yet, his unblemished record now faces its most significant test against Ferreira’s honed jiu-jitsu skills. This bout will truly measure McVey`s ability to defend against high-level submissions and maintain his striking distance against a persistent grappler.

The Stakes: Maintaining Momentum vs. Preserving Perfection

For Brunno Ferreira, this fight is an opportunity to solidify his standing in the competitive middleweight division. A victory over an undefeated prospect like McVey would significantly elevate his profile and demonstrate his ability to adapt to diverse threats. For Jackson McVey, the pressure is arguably higher. His undefeated status is a powerful narrative, but it also carries the immense burden of expectation. Losing that `0` in his record, especially on such a prominent stage, could alter the trajectory of his nascent career. This isn`t just a fight; it`s a statement for both men.

Event Logistics: When and Where to Witness the Action

UFC 318 is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey fight is an undercard bout, typically set for three rounds, though the exact start time is fluid and depends on the preceding fights.

Key Start Times for Brunno Ferreira vs Jackson McVey (Approximate)

Please note that fight start times are approximate and can shift based on the duration of earlier bouts. Always check local listings closer to the event date for precise timings in your region.

For viewers wondering how and where to watch, the Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey fight will be accessible via major sports broadcasters, including DAZN, ESPN+, and TNT Sports Box Office, depending on your geographical location.

Fighter Profiles

Brunno Ferreira

• Nationality: Brazil
• Height: 178 cm
• Weight: 83.9 kg
• Total Fights: 15
• Record: 13 Wins / 2 Losses / 0 Draws

Jackson McVey

• Nationality: United States
• Height: 193 cm
• Weight: 83.9 kg
• Total Fights: 6
• Record: 6 Wins / 0 Losses / 0 Draws

Anticipated UFC 318 Fight Card Highlights

Beyond the middleweight battle, UFC 318 boasts a robust fight card, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts:

• Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier (Main Event)
• Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov
• Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez
• Dan Ige vs Patricio Freire
• Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber
• Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliveira
• Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen
• Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretennikov
• Ateba Abega Gautier vs Robert Valentin
• Adam Fugitt vs Islam Dulatov
• Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio
• Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski
• Brunno Ferreira vs Jackson McVey
• Nicolle Caliari vs Carli Judice

The stage is set for UFC 318 to deliver another thrilling night of fights. Whether you`re a connoisseur of ground battles or a devotee of devastating knockouts, the Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey bout promises to be a microcosm of MMA`s enduring appeal: two skilled athletes, one cage, and everything on the line. Mark your calendars for July 19, 2025, and prepare for a spectacle where technique meets tenacity.