Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva: Clash of Titans on UFC Night
Former featherweight title contender Diego Lopes will look to return to the winning track by facing Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC. The event will take place on Saturday from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Lopes, who was number 3 in the featherweight rankings, is coming off a loss to Alexander Volkanovski in his last octagon appearance. Before this defeat, Lopes had a streak of five consecutive victories.
On the other hand, Silva comes to this UFC fight undefeated, with five consecutive finishes, including four knockouts and one submission.
Analysis and Predictions
Alofoke Deportes’ sports analysts share their predictions for the main event, while betting experts offer valuable advice.
Main Event: Peso Pluma
Silva has proven difficult to take down, with a solid takedown defense. In his most recent fight, he submitted Bryce Mitchell, a dangerous black belt. Diego is not a great wrestler and is vulnerable to strikes. But Silva is someone who cannot be given too many blows. What is often overlooked in Silva’s performances is his technical ability. Although he sometimes seems playful, he is a technician with a lot of power. Not only do I think Silva will win this fight, but I think he will go far in this division.
It’s hard to go against Silva. Lopes takes too many shots, and Silva is too precise. I don’t think he’ll knock out Lopes because Lopes is tough, and if it comes to it, he’ll take the fight to the ground and protect himself before allowing himself to be knocked out.
Parker: Over 2.5 rounds (-150). Lopes vs. Silva has everything you could want in a main event: two well-rounded fighters with great endurance who are always looking for the finish. Although I expect this fight to have many heart-stopping moments, I think it will go to the championship rounds.
Each of Lopes’ last three fights has gone the distance, but Silva hasn’t had a fight go to a decision since competing on “Dana White’s Contender Series” in 2023. However, Silva hasn’t fought anyone ranked in the UFC’s top 5, and Lopes hasn’t been finished in his UFC career yet. I believe Lopes has a big advantage if he can put Silva on his back, but on the feet, the striking is nearly even. Take the over 2.5 rounds here.
Parker’s Best Bets for the Rest of the Card
Lightweight: Rafa Garcia vs. Jared Gordon
Gordon to win by KO, TKO, or decision. This is the perfect matchup for Gordon, who comes into this fight after a first-round knockout over Thiago Moises. Gordon is a better fighter than Garcia, both standing and on the ground, but Garcia is more durable. Gordon is a -255 favorite, and I don’t mind taking a shot here because I don’t see how he could lose the fight. If the money line odds are too expensive for you, take Gordon to win by KO, TKO, or decision.Lightweight: Claudio Puelles vs. Joaquim Silva
Silva to win (par). Despite coming into this fight on a two-fight losing streak, Puelles is a surprising betting favorite over Silva. Puelles’ only path to victory is to secure a leg lock, and I just don’t see it for him. Silva is the better athlete and the better striker. I expect him to keep this standing and outstrike Puelles throughout the fight. If Silva can keep the pace as he did against Clay Guida last December, expect Puelles to tire and potentially be finished.Men’s Flyweight: Alessandro Costa vs. Alden Coria
Costa to win (-400). Costa has had ups and downs inside the octagon, but his two losses have been against tough competition in Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi. When he fought in the lower rankings, he knocked out Jimmy Flick and Kevin Borjas.
With odds close to 3 to 1, look to put Costa in your parlay. Coria is a good prospect with an equal balance of knockout and submission finishes, but this is a big step up in competition, and I don’t see him faring well. Costa will keep the fight standing, if successful, but if necessary, he can also take it to the ground. As long as he doesn’t make a mistake, expect Costa to get the win.
