A dynamic bantamweight clash is set for the prelims of UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, as Kyler Phillips (#12 ranked bantamweight) takes on surging Brazilian finisher Vinicius “LokDog” Oliveira. This bout pits a crafty, versatile striker against a knockout artist riding a wave of momentum into his toughest test yet.
Kyler Phillips
Kyler Phillips (12–3) is a well-rounded American bantamweight known for his explosive movement, switch stances, and sharp kicking arsenal. A black belt in BJJ with underrated power, Phillips thrives in dynamic exchanges and scrambles. He has five knockouts and two submissions across his 12 professional wins, and his unpredictable style keeps opponents guessing.
Though his recent loss to Rob Font was a setback, he previously notched impressive wins over veterans Pedro Munhoz and Raoni Barcelos, showcasing his ability to go three rounds with ranked opponents. He also holds a signature win over Song Yadong, a top contender, further proving his value in the division.
Phillips has shown flashes of brilliance, but also inconsistency, sometimes fading late or letting close rounds slip away due to output or control.
Kyler Phillips – Last 5 Fights:
1. ❌ Loss vs. Rob Font – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night, Oct 2024
2. ✅ Win vs. Pedro Munhoz – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 299, Mar 2024
3. ✅ Win vs. Raoni Barcelos – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 2023
4. ✅ Win vs. Marcelo Rojo – Submission (Triangle Armbar) – UFC 271, Feb 2022
5. ❌ Loss vs. Raulian Paiva – Decision (Majority) – UFC on ESPN, Jul 2021
Vinicius Oliveira
Vinicius “LokDog” Oliveira (22–3) is a Brazilian knockout machine with 16 wins by KO/TKO. Standing 5'9" with serious pop in his hands and athleticism to match, Oliveira brings a wild, aggressive style. Since debuting on Dana White’s Contender Series with a brutal knockout in 2023, he’s gone 3–0 in the UFC, including an emphatic KO of Bernardo Sopai and a recent decision win over Said Nurmagomedov.
His weakness? All three of his career losses have come by knockout, raising questions about durability under pressure. However, his recent UFC run has displayed improved composure, cardio, and defensive awareness.
What sets “LokDog” apart is his relentless forward pressure and finishing instincts. He blends crisp boxing with flying knees, explosive bursts, and an aura of danger any time he closes distance.
Vinicius Oliveira – Last 5 Fights:
1. ✅ Win vs. Said Nurmagomedov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night 250, Feb 2025
2. ✅ Win vs. Ricky Simon – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 303, Jun 2024
3. ✅ Win vs. Bernardo Sopai – KO (Flying Knee) – UFC Fight Night 238, Mar 2024
4. ✅ Win vs. Victor Madrigal – KO (Punch) – DWCS, Sep 2023
5. ✅ Win vs. Hikaru Yoshino – TKO (Punches) – UAE Warriors 39, Mar 2023
This is a classic matchup of technique and creativity vs. power and aggression. Phillips is a better technician with more UFC experience against top-level competition. His diverse striking, tricky footwork, and grappling transitions could give Oliveira problems if the fight goes into the later rounds or hits the mat.
However, Oliveira is a dangerous early-round finisher who thrives on chaos. If he can close distance and make it a brawl, Phillips will have to weather the storm, something easier said than done.
Both fighters are athletic, but Phillips has the better cardio and experience in drawn-out fights. Oliveira holds the power advantage and finishing instinct, but Phillips can chip away with variety, volume, and movement.
Prediction
This is a Fight of the Night candidate on paper. If Phillips stays disciplined, mixes levels, and avoids trading early, he can frustrate Oliveira and win on points or even find a late submission. But if he gets sucked into a firefight or mistimes his footwork, Oliveira could capitalize with a knockout.
Prediction: Kyler Phillips def. Vinicius Oliveira via Unanimous Decision
Expect an early storm from Oliveira, but Phillips’ composure, footwork, and strategic striking will earn him rounds and potentially open up takedowns to seal the win.