UFC 318: Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber: Live round-by-round updates

Michael Johnson will test surging contender Daniel Zellhuber in a pivotal clash at lightweight in the opening fight of the UFC 318 main card.

Johnson has fought in over 20 UFC fights and holds wins over names like Dustin Poirier and Edson Barboza. At UFC 318, he faces Daniel Zellhuber, a younger, longer, and fresher lightweight prospect looking to take a step forward in a deep division.

Johnson enters on a two-fight win streak. He still has fast hands, sharp southpaw striking, and enough wrestling to mix things up. But at 38, the margin for error has narrowed.

Zellhuber, 25, brings length, composure, and a technical kickboxing game built around straight punches and long-range control. At 6’1” with a 77-inch reach, he’s one of the tallest fighters in the division. That size advantage could be key.

UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Meanwhile, the main card will air on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:

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Round 1

Zellhuber backs up Johnson with a straight kick to the body. Johnson lands good jabs to the body in return. Another solid body kick from Zellhuber. He needs to drown Johnson in output, and the body shot seems to be a setup for that. He's setting up the kicks higher and switching between targets. Johnson fires back with a one-two combination and barely misses. A low blow from Johnson pauses the action momentarily. Beautiful right hand over the top from Johnson. Zellhuber is getting punished every time he tries to score with the spinning kick. An evenly contested round so far. Johnson is getting the better of the punching exchanges. Close round!

Our Score: 10-9 Johnson

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Round 2

Zellhuber is battering the left side of Johnson with the kicks. Johnson lands a quick four-punch combination in return. The accumulated damage from the kicks seems to be taking a toll on Johnson. High kick lands for Zellhuber, but Johnson takes it. He lands a right hand, and Zellhuber is dropped. He quickly wraps up Johnson in an attempt to recover. Zellhuber amplifies the output with kicks and punches now. Zellhuber's spinning attacks have been his biggest mistake. Johnson is countering every time he tries to land spinning kicks.

Our Score: 10-9 Johnson (20-18 overall)

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Round 3

Zellhuber scores with the kicks, but Johnson fires back with a quick combo. Johnson keeps attacking the body while Zellhuber throws single kicks with little follow-up. Another spinning move from Zellhuber nearly lets Johnson take his back. Johnson isn’t pressing much either, but he knows he’s winning. Zellhuber lands a body kick and a good right hand. The fight never really left first gear, apart from Johnson’s knockdown in the second round.

Our Score: 10-9 Zellhuber (29-28 overall)

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Official Result

Michael Johnson defeats Daniel Zellhuber by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).