UFC 318 Fight Card Odds, Picks And Predictions: Johnson Vs. Zellhuber
Opening the UFC 318 pay-per-view fight card is a lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Daniel Zellhuber. In Johnson, we have a veteran competitor on a two-fight winning streak. As for Zellhuber, he enters UFC 318 coming off a split-decision loss that ended his run of three straight UFC victories. UFC 318 features a trilogy bout in the main event, as Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier meet in the PPV headliner. Holloway's symbolic BMF title is on the line. Meanwhile, the fight is expected to be Poirier's retirement bout.
UFC 318 takes place on Saturday, July 19, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The UFC 318 main card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
We look at the betting odds, line movement, picks, and predictions for the UFC 318 main card matchup between Johnson and Zellhuber.
UFC 318 Fight Card Preview: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Michael Johnson knocks out Ottman Azaitar of Morocco in a lightweight ... More fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Michael Johnson (23-19) is one of the longer-tenured fighters on the UFC roster. The 39-year-old has been with the promotion since 2010 when he lost to Jonathan Brookins in the finals of season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Johnson has had an active, if up-and-down UFC career. While always game, he has a history of inconsistency. Johnson's longest winning streaks with the UFC are a four-fight run between 2013 and 2015 and a three-fight unbeaten stretch in 2012.
Johnson went 0-4 between 2019 and 2021. He ended that run with a 2022 knockout win over Alan Patrick. Since then, Johnson is 3-2.
He enters UFC 318 on a two-fight winning streak, beating Darrius Flowers and Ottman Azaitar. He has not fought since he knocked out Azaitar in December, winning a 'Performance of the Night' bonus in the process.
Johnson is at the point in his career where the UFC is booking him as a gatekeeper against younger fighters or competitors who are relatively new to the promotion.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico poses on the scale during the UFC 306 ... More at Riyadh Season Noche UFC Ceremonial Weigh-in at Sphere on September 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Daniel Zellhuber (15-2) might be coming off a loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 306, but that fight was in the running for 'Fight of the Year' in 2024, and earned Zellhuber his third straight UFC Fight Night bonus. Zellhuber might have lost some momentum in that fight, but he did not lose much stock. He is looking for a bounce-back performance at UFC 318.
Zellhuber moved his professional record to 12-0 in September 2021 when he defeated Lucas Almeida to earn a UFC contract on a Dana White's Contender Series card.
UFC CEO Dana White praised both men for their performance that night, but offered the contract to Zellhuber, saying, "First of all, he's got an incredible chin, well-rounded game. He's only 22 years old, which usually I look for people who are a couple of years older, but he's 12-0 at 22 years old. You never see that.
'He said something about fighting like a real Mexican. This dude fights like a real Mexican. He's awesome. I love everything about him.'
Zellhuber dropped his UFC debut, losing a decision to Trey Ogden by decision. He rebounded from that defeat with three straight wins before falling to Ribovics.
UFC 318 Fight Card Betting Lines And Movement: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber
When the betting lines opened for this fight, Zellhuber was a heavy -350 favorite over the +285 Johnson. Since then, Zellhuber has climbed to -500, while Johnson is the +375 betting underdog.
UFC 318 Fight Card Tale Of The Tape: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Age: 39
Height: 5'10'
Reach: 73'
Stance: Southpaw
Age: 26
Height: 6'1'
Reach: 77'
Stance: Switch
UFC 318 Fight Card Predictions And Picks: Michael Johnson Vs. Daniel Zellhuber
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico reacts to the end of the round in a ... More lightweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
This should be a fun fight, as Johnson is a game opponent who won't back down from any challenge, but Zellhuber is better than him everywhere. This matchmaking seems designed to give Zellhuber the opportunity to rebound from his loss to Ribovics.
The pick is Zellhuber to win via decision, but there is a chance for a knockout depending on how willing Johnson is to get into a slugfest with the younger harder-hitting fighter.
We will have more on the UFC 318 Johnson vs. Zellhuber bout as fight night nears, as well as live results, reactions, highlights and more for the UFC 318 pay-per-view card on fight night.
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