Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jean Silva during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Jean Silva by KO -140
It seems the fight week theatrics have simmered down this week compared to other Jean Silva fight weeks, which may have led people to forget how vicious of a striker this man is. Coming off a bounce-back decision victory against Arnold Allen, some people aren’t fully convinced in his hype continuation and still linger to that Diego Lopes defeat.
Silva is a systematic, versatile striker that doesn’t brawl unless he wants to. In his fight with Diego Lopes, it was apparent he could strike from range, and outside of Round 1 where he was controlled on the ground, on the feet, he could’ve made the choice to strike from range and win comfortably. What happened was the abandonment of the gameplan in an emotional fight.
Jose Delgado comes into this fight as a short notice replacement, riding a two fight win streak that hasn’t been the most convincing. A split-decision loss to Nathaniel Wood, a split-decision win to Fili and a solid fight with Bashi and suddenly he’s fighting the most elite striker in the weight-class. Delgado is tough, but if you’re getting tagged by names like Fili, Wood and Bashi, it won’t take much for someone like Jean Silva to make a huge statement.
Tommy McMillen by KO +310
Rahiki, like McMillen is ranked quality. The issue is, he’s younger, relies on a pretty fight, can get tagged and has some question marks when it comes to enduring the pressure. When fighting someone like Rahiki, pressure is needed, especially in moments when the technician is comfortable. For Rahiki, we haven’t seen how he will act when he hurts someone and they don’t go out and I fear for him, Tommy has a chin to handle the strikes and to come back with more.
No need to over think this play. It’s a classic story of technique against pressure, volume and grit.
