A unique heavyweight clash highlights the UFC 318 prelims on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, as former light heavyweight contender Ryan Spann moves up to face Poland’s Łukasz Brzeski. Both fighters come in needing a statement win to remain relevant, and with heavy hands on both sides, this bout is unlikely to go the distance.

Ryan Spann

Ryan "Superman" Spann is making his debut in the heavyweight division after an up-and-down run at light heavyweight. Known for his freak athleticism, long frame, and submission skills, Spann has notable finishes over fighters like Ion Cuțelaba, Misha Cirkunov, and Devin Clark. However, inconsistency and cardio issues have plagued his UFC career, including stoppage losses to Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, and Johnny Walker.

At heavyweight, the big question is whether Spann’s speed and grappling will translate against larger opponents. He’s always had a significant size for 205, standing 6’5” with an 81.5-inch reach, metrics that won’t leave him undersized in his new division. But how he handles power shots from true heavyweights is uncharted territory.

Ryan Spann – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Anthony Smith – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 301, May 2024)
2. Loss vs. Nikita Krylov – Submission (Triangle Choke) (UFC Fight Night, March 2023)
3. Win vs. Dominick Reyes – KO (Punch) (UFC 281, November 2022)
4. Win vs. Ion Cuțelaba – Submission (Guillotine) (UFC Vegas 54, May 2022)
5. Loss vs. Anthony Smith – Submission (RNC) (UFC Fight Night, September 2021)

Łukasz Brzeski

Poland’s Łukasz Brzeski enters this bout desperate to solidify his UFC future after a rocky stretch that includes four losses in five UFC appearances. Brzeski snapped his skid with a decision win over Valter Walker in April 2024 but suffered back-to-back first-round KO losses since, most recently to Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 310.

Brzeski has shown flashes of power and durability, but poor defensive awareness and questionable durability have limited his ceiling. With 4 of his 6 career losses coming via KO/TKO, Brzeski tends to struggle against athletic punchers, something Ryan Spann could exploit. His grappling is serviceable, but he's unlikely to dominate a bigger, more dynamic athlete.

Łukasz Brzeski – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu – TKO (Punches) (UFC 310, Dec 2024)
2. Loss vs. Mick Parkin – KO (Punches) (UFC 304, July 2024)
3. Win vs. Valter Walker – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN 240, April 2024)
4. Loss vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta – KO (Punches) (UFC FN 225, Aug 2023)
5. Loss vs. Karl Williams – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC FN 221, March 2023)

Prediction

This fight could go either way depending on how Ryan Spann handles the move to heavyweight. If he’s the faster, more mobile fighter, as expected, he’ll have the advantage early. Brzeski’s suspect chin and defensive lapses play right into Spann’s strengths as a fast starter with finishing ability on the feet and ground.

However, Spann’s cardio and composure under pressure remain big question marks. If Brzeski can survive the early storm and force a grueling pace, he might be able to capitalize in later rounds. Still, based on durability, athleticism, and raw skill, the edge leans toward Spann.

Prediction:
Ryan Spann def. Łukasz Brzeski via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in Round 1

Expect Spann to hurt Brzeski early, lock up the neck in a scramble, and make a statement in his heavyweight debut.