Unranked bantamweights collide in Canada Saturday night as America’s Kyler Phillips faces hometown favorite Charles Jourdain in the co-main event of UFC Winnipeg.
Phillips (12–4, 6–3 UFC) is coming off back-to-back decision losses, most recently dropping a verdict to Vinicius Oliveira last July. Jourdain (17–8–1, 8–7–1 UFC) has found new life since moving down to 135 pounds, securing two straight guillotine finishes — punctuated by a first-round submission of Davey Grant in October.
Jourdain enters as a -148 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Phillips sits as a +124 underdog. The total is set at 2.5 rounds.
Phillips vs. Jourdain Preview
Kyler Phillips
Kyler Phillips is eager to recapture the form that saw him reach the bantamweight top 10 in early 2024. He was coming off a decision win over division linchpin Pedro Munhoz, burnishing an impressive resume that already included a 2021 victory over current top-five contender Song Yadong.
He followed with a unanimous decision loss to Rob Font in October 2024 before falling on the scorecards to Vinicius Oliveira last July. In both bouts, “The Matrix” — known for his dynamic, high-volume striking — was outclassed on the feet.
Still just 30, Phillips remains a fluid striker and enthusiastic grappler, one with five knockouts and two submissions to his name. But he’ll have to regain his edge if he hopes to stay in the division’s mix.
Charles Jourdain
Montreal’s Charles Jourdain returns to the Great White North with a head of steam, following an excellent start in a lighter division. The longtime featherweight has looked right at home at 135 pounds, scoring back-to-back guillotine finishes against Victor Henry in November 2024 and Davey Grant last October — both in Canada.
“Air” Jourdain, 30, will look to put on another show in front of the hometown crowd — something he understands quite well. The fiery switch-stance striker, known for his viral spartan kick, boasts an 88% career finish rate, including 8 knockouts, 7 submissions, and 6 first-round finishes. Six of his eight UFC wins have come inside the distance.
Phillips vs. Jourdain Pick, Best Bet
If Jourdain was searching for consistency inside the Octagon, he seems to have found it at 135 pounds. The Canadian striker has looked a cut above since dropping to bantamweight, and he should keep the momentum rolling in front of a hometown crowd against the wavering Phillips. With superior striking and sound defensive grappling, expect him to secure a third straight finish.
