Rookie Report Card: Grading all Octagon newcomers UFC 318 post-mortem

You solely get one Final Combating Championship (UFC) debut!

Two athletes debuted in “The Large Straightforward” final evening (Sat., July 19, 2025) at UFC 318 inside Smoothie King Middle in New Orleans, Louisiana. UFC’s newest batch of newbies went 1-1.

Now that the mud has settled, let’s grade their tremendous short-notice efficiency beneath:

Islam Dulatov

Islam Dulatov was the final fighter from Season 8 of the Contender Sequence to make his UFC debut, but it surely was well worth the wait. He showcased his devastating putting, styling on Adam Fugitt and ultimately knocking him out with a exact test left hook adopted by relentless ground-and-pound (watch highlights).

In simply 4 minutes, Dulatov displayed crisp boxing, seemingly unable to overlook Fugitt’s head together with his proper hand. Alongside his boxing, he unleashed his signature knees, which he makes use of often—whether or not it’s a step-in knee or a clinch knee.

Dulatov’s takedown protection was equally spectacular, proving impenetrable in opposition to Fugitt’s makes an attempt.

The one blemish was a second of overreaching on a punch, which left him susceptible to a tough low kick that briefly disrupted his steadiness. If that is the only real critique, his efficiency was close to flawless.

Sure, Dulatov was the most important favourite on the cardboard, and although Fugitt has confirmed sturdy—taking Michael Morales three rounds to cease him—Dulatov completed him in simply 4 minutes.

Questions linger about Dulatov’s stamina, as all however one in every of his victories have come within the first spherical. Till an opponent can climate his early onslaught and push him into deeper waters, his endurance stays untested.

Closing Grade: A+

Jackson McVey

Jackson McVey lastly made his UFC debut at UFC 318 after shedding two opponents at UFC 317, which led to his battle being canceled. Sadly, his debut resulted in disappointment as he was submitted within the first spherical by way of armbar by Brunno Ferreira.

Standing at 6’4”, McVey is a towering middleweight, however his bodily benefits meant little in opposition to a shorter opponent who dominated as soon as the battle hit the mat. McVey tried to make use of entrance kicks to handle distance and briefly initiated a takedown, however issues unraveled rapidly. Ferreira used his power to face up swiftly after which slammed McVey again to the bottom.

Ferreira sliced by way of McVey’s guard effortlessly, securing a full mount with ease. McVey survived an arm triangle try, however Ferreira seamlessly transitioned to an armbar, forcing the faucet.

To be sincere, it was a lackluster exhibiting for McVey, even when it was in opposition to a extremely expert and underrated opponent like Ferreira. McVey’s cautious strategy, restricted offensive output, and incapacity to counter Ferreira’s aggression led to his downfall.

Regardless of the loss, McVey may nonetheless discover success within the middleweight division, the place a couple of much less formidable fighters compete, however nothing is assured. Finally, for a hyped prospect with an ideal report, McVey’s UFC 318 efficiency was underwhelming.

Closing grade: F

For full UFC 318 outcomes, protection, and highlights click on HERE.