UPDATE: In a stunning comeback, Diego Lopes has knocked out Jean Silva in the featherweight main event at Noche UFC in San Antonio on September 16, 2023. Lopes (27-7), who was looking to redeem himself after a championship loss in April, delivered a fierce performance that ended with a TKO just 4:48 into Round 2.
This victory is crucial for Lopes as it halts Silva’s impressive 13-fight winning streak, a run that began in 2018. Silva’s defeat comes after dominating his first five UFC fights, all of which ended in finishes. The stakes were high, as both fighters aimed to prove their prowess in a highly competitive division.
Early in the fight, Lopes displayed his grappling skills, taking full mount and unleashing a barrage of elbow strikes on Silva. The Brazilian fighter managed to withstand the pressure for nearly two minutes before turning the tides in Round 2. However, Lopes quickly regained control, landing a spinning elbow that sent Silva to the canvas, followed by a flurry of punches that prompted referee Mike Beltran to stop the fight.
“This game has levels: his level and high level,” Lopes remarked post-fight. “I’m standing at high level. I proved it tonight.”
For Silva (16-3), this loss is a significant setback for his team, the Fighting Nerds, known for their unique post-fight interviews wearing taped glasses. Following a string of losses for the team, including defeats in both the main and co-main events of last week’s UFC, this latest result adds to their challenges.
Earlier in the night, in a closely watched strawweight clash, Tatiana Suarez triumphed over Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision, scoring 29-28 on all judges’ cards. Suarez (11-1) showcased her grappling dominance with takedowns in each round, securing over 9 minutes of control time.
The event, the third annual Noche UFC, celebrates Mexican Independence Day but had to be moved from Mexico due to construction delays at a new arena. Originally intended as a numbered pay-per-view, it became a less prominent Fight Night event.
Looking ahead, Suarez is now positioned for another title shot, especially with the current champion, Zhang Weili, having moved to the flyweight division. Meanwhile, Lopes’ victory not only reestablishes him in the featherweight rankings but also sends a clear message to the division: he is back and ready to contend for the title once again.
Stay tuned for more updates as the fallout from this event continues to unfold. Fans are eager to see how Lopes and Suarez will leverage their victories moving forward in the UFC.
