Francisco Prado Fights to Save His UFC Dream at UFC 318
Tonight, I want to talk about a fighter who's at a real crossroads in his career—Francisco Prado. into UFC 318, Prado wasn't just looking for a win—he was fighting for his UFC life. After a rough stretch that left him with a 1-3 record in the promotion, this bout against Nikolay Veretennikov in New Orleans became more than just another matchup. It was a do-or-die moment for the 23-year-old Argentinian.
Prado made it clear in the buildup to the fight: he understood the stakes. In his own words, this was about redemption, about proving that he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage. He talked about the sacrifices he made in camp, how well he prepared, and most importantly, his intent to finish things early. Prado was aiming for a first-round knockout—and given that both he and Veretennikov are strikers, that seemed like a real possibility.
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The fight didn’t go exactly to plan, though. In the first round, Prado started strong—landing a takedown, transitioning to side control, and threatening with a triangle choke and armbar. He looked aggressive and sharp, clearly trying to make a statement. But Veretennikov weathered the storm and turned the tide. From Round 2 on, it was more of a battle. Veretennikov started landing harder shots, stuffing takedowns, and pushing the pace. Prado had his moments, especially in the scrambles, but it wasn’t enough to seal a dominant victory.
By the time the final horn sounded, it was clear we were headed to the judges—and that’s always a dangerous place to be when your job might be on the line. Unfortunately for Prado, the decision didn’t go his way. It was a split call, but Veretennikov walked away with the win.
Now, Prado finds himself in a tougher spot than ever before. Three straight losses in the UFC is a tough mark to come back from, especially when you were counting on a knockout to shift the momentum. Still, there’s something admirable about his resilience. He didn’t back down. He fought hard until the final bell. And let’s not forget—he's only 23. The raw talent is there, and he’s now fighting at welterweight, a division where he feels healthier and stronger than ever.
Whether or not the UFC decides to give him another shot, Francisco Prado showed that he has the heart of a warrior. Sometimes in MMA, a loss on the record doesn’t tell the full story. This might not have been the night Prado dreamed of, but it could still be the night that fuels his comeback.
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