In the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov, the sole Women’s bout on the main card, features Viviane Araujo facing off against Natália Silva in an exciting Flyweight clash.
Viviane Araujo
Araujo enters this fight with a professional MMA record of 12 wins, 5 losses, and no draws. With a well-rounded skill set, Araujo has secured victories by knockout (3), submission (4), and decision (5). Her last fight was a unanimous decision win against Jennifer Maia at UFC Fight Night on October 14, 2023. Araujo’s fighting style is characterized by a blend of striking and grappling, and her notable achievements include winning the Strawweight Queen of Pancrase title.
Natália Silva
Silva brings a record of 16 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw into the octagon. Silva has shown time and time again that she finishes fights, with victories coming by knockout (5), submission (7), and decision (3). She has been on an impressive run, currently on a 10-fight win streak, highlighted by her unanimous decision victory over Andrea Lee at UFC 292 on August 19, 2023. Silva’s fighting background includes a Jungle Fight Women’s Flyweight Championship, with one successful defence to her name. Her UFC journey has been marked by a notable Performance of the Night bonus following her TKO win over Tereza Bledá.
This bout features two experienced fighters who have seen most things the sport has to offer. Araujo’s well-roundedness against Silva’s momentum and finishing ability makes this match-up an unpredictable contest. Both fighters look to climb the ranks in the Women’s Flyweight division.
What Unfolded
The first was a tough round to score with very little action until the last twenty seconds of the fight. Viviane Araujo controlled Silva up against the fence for several minute, but failed to attempt to advance position and was dealt with a warning from the referee. As the round closed out, Silva landed notable damaged, which was later returned.
The second round the action picked up with Silva settling into the fight and had Araujo in serious danger, but Araujo quickly recovered and pushed Silva’s back against the fence. With Silva constantly moving around the Octagon, Araujo struggled to hit the target, so initiated the clinch against the fence, but was warned again from the referee to start working.
The third was more of the same with Araujo chasing Silva around the cage and getting picked off, and then initiating the clinch against the fence once again, but doing nothing. The speed of Natalia Silva was the difference maker. She was able to hit, and not get hit.
Official result: Natalia Silva def. Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
