Jean Silva can be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed this week.
As he prepares to headline a UFC event for the first time in his career against Diego Lopes (26–7 MMA, 5–2 UFC) at Noche UFC this Saturday, Silva (16–2 MMA, 5–0 UFC) was caught off guard when he arrived in San Antonio on Monday and saw his own face on event posters.
“It’s many, many years of fighting outside of the UFC and now fulfilling this dream that so many people have,” Silva told Fighters Only’s E. Spencer Kyte. “This dream is coming true to me and my wife, and that post that I made when I saw the posters and stuff, it all comes down to this moment of fulfilling this dream and this being something that is actually happening.”
Silva earned his spot in the big leagues with a decision win over Kevin Vallejos on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, Jean Silva has taken the UFC featherweight division by storm. Five straight wins — all by stoppage — have established the Brazilian as a serious contender at 145 pounds.
After breaking into the top ten of the UFC rankings with his submission win over Bryce Mitchell in April, the 28-year-old isn’t interested in slowly working his way into the title picture. He believes that an impressive performance — and a victory — over a former title challenger like Diego Lopes this weekend could be enough to put him at the front of the line to face featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski next.
“I can guarantee you with all certainty that I’m fighting for the belt next,” Silva says. “I’ve already beat Diego (in my mind) — I’ve beat Diego every day. All I’ve gotta do on Saturday is go over there, pick up my check, pick up my new contract and a few things. I’m gonna be fighting for the title next, and it’s just my joy.
“My joy is bigger every time I come out here. We’ve got 14 people here already, there’s still more people to come, so this is a family affair. We’re all here together and I’m full of joy.”
Despite only making his UFC debut in January 2024, Jean Silva has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most charismatic fighters on the roster. Whether he’s hanging from the side of the Octagon barking like a dog at his opponent or crying tears of joy upon seeing his face on an event poster, the Fighting Nerds representative can’t be accused of being boring.
He promises to bring that same unpredictability and chaotic energy into the Octagon at the Frost Bank Center this weekend as he offers his prediction for how his fight with Diego Lopes will unfold.
“I’m gonna say something that I already know,” he smiles. “I’m gonna knock Diego out.”
