Dan Ige vs Patricio Pitbull UFC 318 Prediction, Preview and Analysis

A featherweight showdown between Dan Ige and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire is booked for UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. This bout offers contrasting narratives: Ige aiming to stay in the mix among UFC featherweight contenders, and Pitbull entering with legendary credentials but desperate for a UFC win.

Dan Ige: Youth, Volume, and Octagon Experience

Dan Ige steps in with a record of 19–9 and a UFC resume marked by high output and resilience. Known for strong wrestling roots and steady combinations, Ige maintains a light pressure style that consistently keeps opponents on defense. He recently snapped a two-fight skid with a stoppage win over Sean Woodson at UFC 314 and remains ranked just outside the top 10.

Patricio Pitbull: Bellator Royalty Entering a New Era

Patricio Freire is widely viewed as one of the greatest Bellator fighters ever, holding titles in multiple divisions with over 30 knockout or submission wins. He made his UFC debut at UFC 314 but was decisively handled by Yair Rodriguez. Determined to rebound, he’s since isolated himself completely in camp, stating: “I can’t lose.”

Key Stats Comparison

Fighter	Dan Ige	Patricio Freire
Age	33	37–38
Height	5′7″	5′6″
Reach	71″	67″
Strikes/Min	~3.67 (45% accuracy)	~2.45 (40% accuracy)
Strikes Absorbed/Min	~3.55 (55–56% defense)	~4.48 (57% defense)
Takedowns/15m	~0.94 (25% accuracy)	~0.69 (20% accuracy)
Sub Attempts	~0.20	~0.70
UFC Appearances	20	1

Expert Predictions and Drama in the Cage

Analysts and sportsbooks identify Dan Ige as the favorite (around –175 to –205), citing his physical tools, Octagon readiness, and linear style advantage. Ige’s combination pressure and takedown threat appear better suited to impose pace.

That said, some panelists selected Pitbull, citing his veteran experience, elite jiu‑jitsu, and fight IQ as keys to controlling Ige should grappling exchanges open up. One analyst described it as a make-or-break moment for Pitbull in the UFC.

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Prediction

Dan Ige by unanimous decision (Rounds 2–3)

Ige has the pace, reach, and comfort level inside the Octagon. Unless Pitbull can secure early grappling control or flash knockdowns, Ige should dominate distance, avoid major mistakes, and win rounds clean. This fight is unlikely to end early, and Ige’s consistency makes him the logical choice.