UFC 218
UFC 218: Holloway vs. Aldo 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on December 2, 2017, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.[1] It marked the promotion's first visit to the newly opened arena, drew an attendance of 17,587 and a live gate of $2.1 million, with an estimated 230,000 pay-per-view buys,[2][3] and featured 13 bouts across various weight classes, headlined by a featherweight title rematch between champion Max Holloway and former champion José Aldo.[1] The co-main event pitted heavyweight veteran Alistair Overeem against rising prospect Francis Ngannou, setting the stage for several high-profile finishes and emerging star performances.[4] In the main event, Holloway retained his UFC featherweight title by defeating Aldo via third-round TKO (punches) at 4:51, extending his win streak to 12 consecutive victories, the fifth-longest in UFC history at the time.[5][6] The co-main saw Ngannou deliver a devastating first-round knockout (punch) against Overeem at 1:43, a punch so powerful it rendered the veteran unconscious and propelled Ngannou toward heavyweight title contention.[4] Other notable main card results included Eddie Alvarez stopping Justin Gaethje via third-round TKO (doctor stoppage) in a brutal lightweight clash that earned Fight of the Night honors, and Henry Cejudo outpointing Sergio Pettis via unanimous decision to claim a flyweight win.[1] On the prelims, Yancy Medeiros upset Alex Oliveira with a third-round TKO (punches), while Paul Felder knocked out Charles Oliveira in the second round, contributing to the event's reputation for explosive action.[1] The card's undercard featured quick finishes, such as Dominick Reyes's first-round submission of Jeremy Kimball and Justin Willis's 15-second knockout of Allen Crowder in his UFC debut, highlighting the depth of talent across divisions.[1] UFC 218 stood out for its knockout-heavy outcomes, with nine of the 13 fights ending by stoppage, and it solidified Holloway's "Blessed Era" at featherweight while announcing Ngannou as a legitimate heavyweight threat through his career-altering performance.[7] The event drew significant attention for its star power and memorable moments, including Alvarez-Gaethje's war and Ngannou's uppercut, which was later hailed as one of the most impressive displays in UFC history.[7]Event Background
Promotion and Announcement
UFC 218 was officially announced on July 30, 2017, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship's return to Detroit after more than 20 years since UFC 9 in 1996.[8][9] The event was set for December 2, 2017, marking the promotion's debut at the brand-new Little Caesars Arena, which opened in September 2017 as the home venue for the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and NBA's Detroit Pistons.[8] The arena's configuration for UFC events accommodated up to 20,332 spectators. Promotion for UFC 218 centered on the excitement of the organization's comeback to the Motor City, integrating marketing elements that connected with Detroit's storied sports culture, including references to the city's championship legacy in hockey and basketball.[10] The buildup highlighted potential high-profile rematches in the featherweight division alongside emerging heavyweight contender bouts, positioning the card as a showcase of divisional stakes and knockout potential.[11] The official event poster, featuring featherweight champion Max Holloway and challenger Frankie Edgar alongside heavyweight matchup Alistair Overeem versus Francis Ngannou, was released on October 17, 2017.[12] The initial main event was announced on October 3, 2017, as a featherweight title defense pitting Holloway against former champion Edgar.[13]Fight Card Development
The development of the UFC 218 fight card involved several key adjustments due to injuries and scheduling shifts, culminating in a 13-bout lineup distributed across pay-per-view, Fox Sports 1, and UFC Fight Pass. The main event of Max Holloway defending his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar was announced on October 3, 2017, while the heavyweight matchup of Alistair Overeem versus Francis Ngannou, announced on September 27, 2017, was positioned as a potential title eliminator for champion Stipe Miocic.[14] The lightweight bout between Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje was also booked early as a showcase of top-division strikers known for their aggressive styles, adding significant appeal to the card.[15] A major change occurred on November 8, 2017, when Edgar withdrew from the main event after suffering a broken orbital bone during training sparring, forcing the UFC to seek a replacement on short notice.[16] Three days later, on November 11, former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo was announced as Edgar's substitute, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Holloway from their June 2017 encounter at UFC 212. This adjustment elevated the card's star power while maintaining its championship focus.[17] Earlier in the buildup, the flyweight matchup between Henry Cejudo and Sergio Pettis was rebooked for UFC 218 after being scrapped from UFC 215 due to Cejudo's illness, providing both fighters an opportunity to build momentum following recent victories.[18] On the preliminary card, a lightweight bout saw further alterations when Al Iaquinta pulled out on October 31, 2017, citing an undisclosed injury, leading to Charles Oliveira stepping in as his replacement against Paul Felder.[19] By late November—approximately one week before the December 2 event—the full card, including these updates, was confirmed by the promotion, ensuring a balanced slate of 13 fights across weight classes.[1]Fight Results
Main Card
The main card of UFC 218 featured five high-stakes bouts, headlined by a featherweight title rematch and showcasing emerging contenders across multiple divisions.[1] In the main event, featherweight champion Max Holloway defended his title against former champion Jose Aldo in a rematch of their 2013 encounter, where Aldo had previously stopped Holloway in the first round. Holloway, known for his high-volume striking, pressured Aldo from the opening bell with jabs and straight rights, while Aldo countered with low kicks and an uppercut that briefly staggered the champion in Round 1. By Round 2, Holloway's jab dominated the range, and he targeted Aldo's body in the clinch, accumulating damage despite Aldo's leg kicks swelling Holloway's lead leg. In Round 3, Aldo attempted a takedown but exposed himself; Holloway capitalized by swarming with combinations, forcing Aldo to the mat and unleashing ground-and-pound strikes that prompted referee Dan Miragliotta to stop the fight at 4:51 via TKO (punches). Holloway's relentless pressure and output overwhelmed Aldo's defensive strategy, marking his first successful title defense.[20][21] The co-main event pitted heavyweight knockout artists Francis Ngannou against Alistair Overeem, with Ngannou's raw power favored against Overeem's technical striking and experience. Overeem rushed forward at the bell seeking a takedown, but Ngannou reversed the position and briefly gained top control before the fight returned to the feet. Moments later, as Overeem missed a punch, Ngannou unleashed a devastating left uppercut that lifted Overeem off his feet and rendered him unconscious, leading to a knockout stoppage at 1:42 of Round 1. The finish highlighted Ngannou's one-punch knockout ability, as Overeem's aggressive start could not overcome the Cameroonian's explosive power.[22][23][24] Opening the pay-per-view, Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo faced flyweight contender Sergio Pettis, leveraging his wrestling pedigree against Pettis's dynamic striking. Cejudo shot for a takedown early in Round 1, securing it and controlling from the back with punches and knees to the body, stifling Pettis's offense. Throughout the fight, Cejudo maintained grappling dominance, passing guard and landing ground strikes while defending submission attempts, though he focused more on control than damage. Pettis struggled to create space or land significant strikes, managing brief clinch work but unable to reverse the wrestling pressure. Cejudo won a unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards), solidifying his status as a top contender through superior grappling execution.[25][26][27] A lightweight clash between former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez and ex-WSOF titleholder Justin Gaethje promised fireworks, delivering one of the year's most brutal wars with both fighters absorbing heavy damage. The bout featured relentless striking exchanges from the outset, with Gaethje's leg kicks and overhands opening cuts on Alvarez's face early, while Alvarez targeted Gaethje's body with hooks to slow his aggression. By Round 3, both were bloodied and fatigued, but Alvarez timed a knee to the head as Gaethje pressed forward, dropping him and following with punches for a TKO stoppage at 3:59. Alvarez's body work and clinch knees proved decisive in the high-paced brawl, marking the first stoppage loss of Gaethje's career.[28][29][30] Kicking off the main card, women's strawweight contenders Tecia Torres and Michelle Waterson vied for ranking momentum, with Torres's volume striking pitted against Waterson's grappling transitions. Waterson initiated grappling attempts, securing brief top positions and attacking from half guard, but Torres excelled in takedown defense and scrambles, returning to her feet to land combinations and counters. Torres controlled the stand-up pace with forward pressure and right hands, outstriking Waterson while avoiding prolonged ground time. Waterson's clinch elbows and body kicks added moments of threat, but Torres's cardio and defensive wrestling prevailed in a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). The win extended Torres's unbeaten streak through effective range management and output.[31][32][33]Preliminary Card
The preliminary card of UFC 218 consisted of eight fights spanning heavyweight to women's strawweight, aired on UFC Fight Pass and Fox Sports 1, delivering a series of decisive finishes and competitive decisions that highlighted emerging talents and veteran resilience.[1] These bouts set an energetic tone for the event, with several fighters securing victories through superior striking or grappling control. Heavyweight: Justin Willis vs. Allen CrowderJustin Willis knocked out Allen Crowder with a punch at 2:33 of Round 1. Willis countered Crowder's aggressive advance with a precise right hand that dropped his opponent, prompting a referee stoppage after follow-up strikes. This win marked Willis' UFC debut triumph, showcasing his timing and power against a more experienced heavyweight.[34] Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes vs. Jeremy Kimball
Dominick Reyes submitted Jeremy Kimball via rear-naked choke at 3:39 of Round 1. Reyes quickly closed the distance for a takedown, transitioned to the back, and locked in the choke despite Kimball's resistance, forcing the tap. Reyes' seamless grappling chain and composure in his promotional debut underscored his potential as a light heavyweight prospect.[34] Welterweight: Abdul-Razak Alhassan vs. Sabah Homasi
Abdul-Razak Alhassan defeated Sabah Homasi by TKO (punches) at 4:21 of Round 1. Alhassan's explosive combinations overwhelmed Homasi against the cage, leading to a stoppage amid controversy as Homasi protested the referee's intervention. Alhassan's knockout power proved decisive in this short-notice matchup, affirming his reputation for highlight-reel finishes.[34] Women's Strawweight: Amanda Cooper vs. Angela Magana
Amanda Cooper won by TKO (punches) against Angela Magana at 4:34 of Round 2. After securing a takedown, Cooper maintained dominant top position and unleashed ground-and-pound strikes that forced the stoppage. Cooper's wrestling control and relentless pressure neutralized Magana's output, earning cheers from the Detroit crowd in her return bout.[34] Women's Strawweight: Felice Herrig vs. Cortney Casey
Felice Herrig edged out Cortney Casey by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The fight featured intense grappling exchanges and striking flurries, with Herrig's timely counters and defensive takedowns narrowly tipping the scales in a razor-close affair. Herrig's technical striking and fight IQ prevailed in the competitive three-rounder.[34] Lightweight: David Teymur vs. Drakkar Klose
David Teymur defeated Drakkar Klose by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Teymur's aggressive pressure, including effective leg kicks and top control, outworked Klose's counterstriking over three rounds. Teymur's forward momentum and volume striking secured the victory, highlighting his Muay Thai base in a tactical battle.[34] Welterweight: Yancy Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira
Yancy Medeiros stopped Alex Oliveira by TKO (punches) at 2:02 of Round 3. The back-and-forth brawl saw both fighters absorb heavy damage, but Medeiros capitalized on Oliveira's fatigue with ground strikes after a late takedown. The bloody, high-action scrap exemplified Medeiros' durability and finishing instinct in a welterweight war.[34] Lightweight: Paul Felder vs. Charles Oliveira
Paul Felder defeated Charles Oliveira by TKO (elbows) at 4:06 of Round 2. Felder weathered Oliveira's early submission attempts, reversed position, and unleashed devastating elbows from mount to prompt the stoppage. Felder's striking precision countered Oliveira's grappling threats, delivering a standout performance in the featured prelim.[34]