If he gets past Diego Lopes Saturday night, it is clear what will be in Jean Silva’s sights.
The pair are set to headline the third edition of Noche UFC — a now-annual event celebrating Mexican Independence Day. After two installments in Las Vegas thus far, issues with a previously planned visit to Guadalajara have seen San Antonio selected as the destination for the September 13 card.
Lopes and Silva will top the Noche UFC lineup in a key clash between highly ranked featherweights, both of whom are looking to stake their claim for an opportunity at the 145-pound gold. With Lopes having just lost to Alexander Volkanovski in competition for the title this past April, Silva looks to have the best chance of rivaling Lerone Murphy for the next shot.
Should ‘Lord’ successfully get past his fellow countryman at Frost Bank Center and edge out ‘The Miracle’ to secure his place opposite the champ, his team is seemingly expecting to have two key advantages over Volkanovski.
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Jean Silva’s coach touts ‘power and will’ as his edge over Alexander Volkanovski
After a difficult night in Paris last Saturday, where Mauricio Ruffy was dominated by Benoit Saint-Denis before Caio Borralho fell short against Nassourdine Imavov, the Fighting Nerds’ title hopes have taken a hit.
Silva remains an active player in the featherweight championship conversation, however, and has made it clear that he’ll target Volkanovski’s title after getting through Lopes.
If ‘Lord’ finds himself standing across from ‘Alexander the Great’ down the line, the Brazilian’s coach sees two factors falling in his favor and aiding their chances against the experienced Australian legend.
“Man, Jean and Alex, they look a lot (like) each other,” Pablo Sucupira told Submission Radio. “They have similar bodies, they are strikers, they are smart guys in the Octagon.
“I would put power and will in Jean’s side, and experience in Alex’s side.
“Let’s see, man,” Sucupira continued. “I think we’re gonna have a clear vision of that after Jean’s fight (against) Diego, you know? Because it’s gonna be the biggest test of Jean’s (career).
“Win that fight, and then we can say, ‘Hey, Jean is for real brother. He will be the next champion.'”
Diego Lopes vs Jean Silva winner backed to leapfrog Lerone Murphy
Even if Silva does defeat Lopes at Noche UFC, he will face another challenge when it comes to securing his maiden title shot.
After Murphy’s spinning elbow knockout against Aaron Pico at UFC 319, the Briton was widely pointed to as a deserving contender, and Volkanovski appears keen to face ‘The Miracle’.
While that might eliminate the Noche UFC main event winner from the equation for the time being, lightweight contender Dan Hooker sees things differently.
“I feel like 100 percent whoever gets their hand raised in this fight will be fighting for a title because they’re the most exciting guys,” Hooker told Sky Sports New Zealand regarding Lopes vs Silva.
“I hear Lopes moves the needle. I know Silva and the Fighting Nerds are doing an incredible job. Winner of this fight gets the title shot.
“A lot of people will say, ‘Oh, there are some other guys out there.’ Murphy, I’ve been told he’s too boring,” Hooker continued. “Lots of love – maybe on the microphone, not as a fighter, but getting out there, selling fights, and doing that side of things, some fighters just take a little bit more time if you don’t want to say it with your chest.”