A former champion meets a contender on the rise in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 97.
It’s back to the flyweight division for Jessica Andrade after two back-to-back wins at strawweight, when she meets fellow Brazilian Natália Silva. Ranked #4 at 115lbs, Andrade looks to join the flyweight elite once again with a win over the #8-ranked Silva.
Silva has yet to lose since making her UFC debut in 2022 with the 27 year-old prospect stringing five wins in the Octagon to earn the biggest fight of her career against a former world champ and big name in Andrade.
The flyweight matchup takes place from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Round 1:
Silva fires shots with her back to the cage. Andrade applies much pressure early on. Silva lands a speedy combo. Andrade comes in hot, swing and a miss from the Brazilian. Leg kick lands for Silva. Andrade keeps coming forward with Silva picking her apart from the outside. Andrade throws Andrade throws big up top. Silva gets tagged with a punch but sends Andrade across the cage with a side kick to the body. Andrade loads up on huge hooks in the pocket. Andrade clubs Silva with a few shots. A leg kick and a punch gets through for Andrade. Both fighters trade shots up close before the bell.
Round 2:
Early leg kick from Silva. Silva works behind her jab. Spinning attack from Silva. Kick lands for Andrade with the former champ grabbing ahold of Silva in the clinch. Silva is able to separate. Andrade clinches with Silva again with both women separating. Andrade presses Silva against the cage with Silva breaking away from the position. Silva rocks Andrade with a punch that gets her attention. Jan lands for Silva with Andrade hunting her down on the feet. Andrade works the body with punches. Andrade unloads a few power shots to the face of Silva.
Round 3:
Silva continues to pour it on Andrade. Silva lunges forward with punches and hooks that land on Andrade. Andrade closes the distance, clinching Silva against the cage. Spinning heel kick finds its target for Silva. Andrade eats a jab and then a kick as she presses forward. Silva evades Andrade’s attacks on the feet. Andrade clinches with Silva taking her down for a second. The flyweights fires shots from inside the pocket. Jab lands for Silva. Right hand gets through for Andrade. Silva stands her ground with Andrade, throwing heat right back. Silva hugs Andrade right as the final bell sounds.
Official result: Natália Silva defeats Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
https://x.com/ufc/status/1832584249435676918
https://x.com/ufc/status/1832584887880077671
