Get ready for a high-octane featherweight showdown! UFC CEO Dana White has announced an explosive main event for the upcoming Noche UFC event, pitting dynamic contenders Diego Lopes against Jean Silva. This highly anticipated clash is set to headline the card on September 13 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The pairing of these two exciting Brazilian fighters has quickly become one of the most talked-about bookings of 2025, promising fireworks and significant implications for the crowded featherweight division.
Lopes Aims to Rebound and Re-Establish Elite Status
For Diego Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC), this fight marks a crucial opportunity to bounce back immediately after his first professional loss since his UFC debut. Lopes is coming off a valiant effort against former champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314, where he challenged for the vacant featherweight title. Although ultimately losing a unanimous decision, Lopes pushed the Australian superstar for five rounds, even dropping him with a heavy shot in the second frame.
That title challenge capped an incredible rise for Lopes, who had amassed a five-fight winning streak in the Octagon with notable victories over talents like Brian Ortega, Dan Ige, and Pat Sabatini. Now ranked #2 in the division, a dominant performance against Silva is essential for Lopes to solidify his place among the elite and remain firmly in the title contention picture.
Silva Looks to Punch His Ticket to the Top Tier
Across the Octagon stands Jean Silva (16-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC), arguably one of the most exciting and successful rising stars in the UFC. “Lord” Silva earned his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2023 and has been on a tear ever since, boasting a perfect 5-0 record inside the Octagon, with an impressive five finishes.
Silva’s momentum has been undeniable. He kicked off 2024 with three knockout wins (including over Charles Jourdain and Drew Dober) and carried that fire into 2025, securing a first-round knockout against Melsik Baghdasaryan. His most recent performance was arguably his biggest career win to date: a highlight-reel submission over top contender Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314, on the same card as Lopes’ title fight. Joe Rogan notably praised Silva after a recent win, stating he “looked like a world champion.”
This main event slot against a fighter of Lopes’ caliber presents Silva with his first five-round fight and his biggest challenge yet. A victory here, particularly a dominant one, could propel the #11-ranked Silva into the upper echelon of the featherweight division and make it exceedingly difficult to deny his public call for a title shot moving forward.
High Stakes in San Antonio
The Noche UFC event celebrates Mexican Independence Day, adding a special atmosphere to the San Antonio card. Originally planned as a pay-per-view event in Mexico, the event was relocated and adjusted to a Fight Night format due to arena availability issues.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Dana White has indicated that the Noche UFC main card will be strategically scheduled to avoid overlapping with the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford boxing match happening the same night. This aims to allow combat sports fans a chance to witness a potentially historic night of back-to-back fighting action.
This main event isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s a pivotal moment for both fighters. For Lopes, it’s about proving the Volkanovski performance solidified his status as a true contender. For Silva, it’s about proving his spectacular finishes translate to main event success against the division’s elite. Expect fireworks when these two “Brazilian brawlers” step into the Octagon on September 13th.
