In an electrifying encounter at UFC 324, Jean Silva emerged victorious over Arnold Allen in their featherweight bout held on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The match was significant for both fighters, with Allen ranked No. 7 and Silva at No. 8 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at 145 pounds.
This fight marked a crucial turning point for Allen (20-3), who recently returned to the win column with a unanimous decision victory against Giga Chikadze. However, his path to a title shot has been complicated by injuries and losses to notable opponents such as Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev. This fight was his first appearance since July 2024, making it a much-anticipated return.
On the other side, Silva (16-3) was looking to bounce back from a recent defeat at the hands of Diego Lopes, which dashed his hopes for a title opportunity. Silva, known for his explosive finishing ability, had initially submitted his first five UFC opponents before facing Lopes.
In the first round, Allen started strong, effectively mixing his striking and landing notable shots, ultimately earning the round 10-9 from MMA Fighting’s scorecard. The second round saw Silva assert himself more, landing powerful punches and adjusting his strategy, which led to a tied score of 19-19 heading into the final round.
As the third round unfolded, both fighters received encouragement from their corners to push harder. Silva quickly regained momentum, utilizing precise body strikes and crafty techniques that kept Allen off balance. Ultimately, Silva’s varied skill set shone through as he managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, with scorecards reading 30-27 and 29-28 twice.
This matchup not only showcased the talent and resilience of both fighters but also highlighted the depth of the featherweight division, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead for Silva as he potentially positions himself for a title shot in the future.