Oliveira Turned an Early Knockdown Into Another UFC Win
Vinicius Oliveira overcame a fast start from Kyler Phillips to win the featured preliminary bout at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025. The Brazilian took a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the New Orleans bantamweight contest 29–28.
Phillips immediately put Oliveira under pressure
Phillips dropped Oliveira during the opening exchange and followed with quick attacks as the Brazilian tried to recover. His movement and kicks made the early stages difficult for an opponent who kept pursuing power punches.
Oliveira survived the danger, but Phillips continued finding opportunities from distance. The opening round established a clear problem for the Brazilian to solve over the remaining ten minutes.
A left hook reversed the momentum
Oliveira answered in the second, connecting with a left hook that sent Phillips down. He followed into top position before choosing to return the contest to the feet.
His forward pressure and hard punches then forced Phillips backward. A late takedown and ground strikes strengthened Oliveira’s second round and put the decision within reach heading into the final frame.
Continued pressure carried the final round
Oliveira attacked the legs and kept Phillips retreating toward the fence. Phillips worked behind his jab, but the Brazilian’s heavier offense increasingly shaped the exchanges.
The judges agreed on Oliveira after the final horn at Smoothie King Center. The victory extended his unbeaten UFC start to four fights, adding another decision win to a run that had already established him as an aggressive and unpredictable presence in the bantamweight division.
Sources
- Cageside Press: opening knockdown, left-hook response and closing pressure
- UFC: featured preliminary result and fourth straight promotional win
- UFC: venue, date and official decision
