The women’s flyweight division has emerged as one of the most competitive in the UFC, boasting a mix of established veterans and a wave of promising new talent. Among the most exciting prospects is Karine Silva, who looks to solidify her place in the top 10 when she faces Viviane Araújo at UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden.
Silva’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. The 29-year-old Brazilian fighter holds an impressive 18-4 record and rides a nine-fight win streak, with eight of those victories coming by finish. Since earning her UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021 by submitting Yan Qihui, Silva has proven to be a dominant force in the division.
A Well-Rounded Threat
Karine Silva’s skillset epitomizes the modern MMA athlete. Her striking is crisp and powerful, featuring technical boxing and devastating kicks. However, it is on the ground where Silva truly shines. A submission specialist, she has finished three of her four UFC wins via submission, showcasing a diverse arsenal of chokes and joint locks. Whether she’s locking in a guillotine or transitioning to a knee bar, Silva is a constant danger when the fight hits the mat.
Silva’s Finishing Prowess
Silva’s UFC journey has been a masterclass in finishing fights:
Debut vs. Poliana Botelho: Silva demonstrated her striking and grappling prowess, setting up a D’Arce choke in the dying seconds of the first round.
Win vs. Ketlen Souza: After a year-long layoff, Silva returned with a vengeance, forcing Souza to the mat and executing a swift kneebar for the finish.
Rematch with Maryna Moroz: In a storyline of revenge, Silva avenged her 2014 loss by securing a guillotine choke in the closing seconds of the first round.
Victory over Ariane da Silva: While she didn’t secure a finish, Silva’s grappling dominance earned her a unanimous decision, further cementing her reputation as a relentless competitor.
Facing Viviane Araújo at UFC 309
Standing across the Octagon will be Viviane Araújo, a seasoned veteran ranked No. 9 in the flyweight division. Araújo, with a 12-6 record, has faced elite competition, including Amanda Ribas, Alexa Grasso, and Jennifer Maia. Despite her recent 2-4 skid, Araújo remains a formidable opponent with the experience and skill to test Silva’s mettle.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. With Silva ranked No. 11 and Araújo at No. 9, a victory could propel Silva into the top 10 and set her up for high-profile matchups against the division’s elite. A win would also extend Silva’s win streak to a staggering 10 fights, solidifying her status as one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC.
Tune in live on November 16, 2024. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off on pay-per-view at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.