A crucial light heavyweight contest between Lukasz Brzeski and Ryan Spann has been confirmed for UFC 318, scheduled to take place on July 19 in New Orleans. This bout comes just before Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight, which headlines the event. Sources familiar with the situation have verified the agreement, with MMAjunkie being the first to report the news.
Context Surrounding Dustin Poirier’s Final Fight
Dustin Poirier, representing Lafayette, will face Max Holloway for the BMF championship in what will mark his retirement fight. This fight carries significant weight for Poirier, capping off an accomplished career in the UFC.
Ryan Spann Aims to Rebound After Recent Struggles
Ryan Spann enters the fight with a record of 22 wins and 11 losses. He is seeking to recover momentum following a second-round knockout loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in March, dropping his UFC record to 8-6. Spann had impressive moments in 2022, including rapid finishes against Ion Cutelaba and Dominick Reyes; however, he has since lost four of his last five fights, with three defeats by stoppage. His lone victory in that stretch came with a bonus-winning guillotine submission over Ovince Saint Preux in October 2024.
Lukasz Brzeski Facing Struggles and Controversies in the UFC
Polish fighter Lukasz Brzeski has encountered a challenging path in the UFC, holding a 9-6-1 record with one no contest. His only win in seven UFC octagon appearances came after a no-contest ruling on his Dana White’s Contender Series victory, which was overturned due to a positive test for clomiphene. Despite this, the UFC retained Brzeski. He then suffered three consecutive losses to Martin Buday, Karl Williams, and Waldo Cortes-Acosta before narrowly defeating Valter Walker.
Brzeski has also been featured on pay-per-view cards, but consecutive first-round defeats to Mick Parkin and Kennedy Nzechukwu have kept him in precarious standing within the promotion.
Implications for the Fighters and the UFC 318 Event
This matchup between Brzeski and Spann carries significant consequences for both men, potentially determining their future in the UFC light heavyweight division. As it unfolds on the same card as Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight, fans will witness a high-stakes night emphasizing career transitions and pivotal moments within the promotion.