UFC Vegas 97 took shape this Saturday from inside the Apex. The fight card had a coming-of-age feeling with how the co-main event played out. Veteran Jessica Andrade vs. rising striking sensation Natalia Silva served as the co-feature bill for the main card. Natalia Silva stuck to her resolve and faith in Jesus and got it done against the tough-as-nails WMMA pioneer.
Andrade vs. Natalia Silva at UFC Vegas 97 was the classic “fastest man” (woman) versus “indomitable force” scenario. Jessica Andrade was coming off impressive wins at UFC 295 and UFC 300 pay-per-views. ‘Bate Estaca’ acted as the immovable object and attempted to snipe down Silva on her radar. However, Silva performed dominantly and touted her faith in Jesus to those suffering from addictions.
Dana, I came here to be champion, I want the shot…Ah I lost my sister recently, 4 months ago. And I would like to tell people, please, if you are in the work of drugs don’t do those to yourself…If you gave yourself an opportunity, Jesus loves you.
Natalia Silva in her UFC Vegas 97 post-fight Octagon interview
Andrade (26-13 MMA, 17-11 UFC) kept headhunting and pressing the action toward the periphery. However, Silva started off with straight right connects and speedy shots. Jessica Andrade did have a few huge connections and a hook or two, but the taekwondo specialist managed to evade.
The point-striking Taekwondo expert even separated with a smashing sidekick to the upper midriff in R1. The only WMMA flyweight to win by a spinning heel kick, she executed a smashing one again in Round 2. The masterful striking display was one of a kind, as no female fighter has used the touch-and-move strategy to perfection.
Andrade likely needed a finish in the third round. However, Silva managed to get her in the clinch whenever she pushed her to the bounds. A front kick to the face, and Andrade answered with a huge hook. But none of it was impactful enough going the distance. Silva defeated Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
If Natalia Silva wasn’t a contender prior to Saturday’s UFC Vegas 97 event, she certainly is now. Even in-ring commentator Michael Bisping said so during her strike-heavy scrap against Jessica Andrade. Well into UFC Vegas 97, the 27-year-old Brazilian awoke the acute point-striker in her. Silva beat Jessica Andrade in an entertaining, punch-packed contest with utter dominance in the first two frames.
Fans react to the UFC Vegas 97 co-main event (Source: Instagram-threads.net › @ufc)Subsequently, it wasn’t just the speed vs. strength performance. For the majority of the 15-minute duration, Silva kept to her resolve, and it showed. What’s the most interesting part of her win was that she delivered despite losing her sister four months back. As such, her win and post-fight sentiments have gone viral.
Jesus loves you. RIP to her sister.
— JD Vance | U.S. Senator for Ohio (Parody) (@JDVanceRep) September 8, 2024
What a brawl, they both fought so well.
— 0xbullishbuddah.eth (@BullishBuddah) September 8, 2024
Silva is a beast. Can’t wait to watch her climb the ladder 🔥🔥🔥
— AJH (@1_2_question) September 8, 2024
Good ass fight maybe fotn
Silva is for real and Andrade is as always a badass
— Max Persellin (@MPersellin70) September 8, 2024
Absolute masterclasse from Natalia Silva , very skilled
— KevinH (@KevinH507) September 8, 2024
I know Rose is already booked, but Silva vs Rose is a must 😮💨😮💨😮💨🙌🏽🤧!!!!!
— HaNdY Man Zach (@BakedPotatoZach) September 8, 2024
Much like brand value champ Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira (295/300), this is also yet another appearance by Andrade. Hence, some fans have quipped about her in debt and tried to spin the “out of gas” narrative. However, most have lauded Natalia Silva’s masterclass, and many have also resonated with her faith and call for Jesus.
The win extends Silva’s winning streak to 12, a perfect UFC record. She is 6-0 now, with some top-ranked opposition awaiting her. Some fans have also alluded to a striking fest against Rose Namajunas next. As such, she is the hot topic for the moment.
