End of the rivalry? Jean Silva gives up on rematch and encourages Diego Lopes' change in the UFC.

Jean Silva celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

This Saturday (12), in Arizona (USA), Jean Silva is back in action. Without fighting since January, the Brazilian headlines Noche UFC and faces Jose Delgado . In fact, this is the second time that the member of the 'Fighting Nerds' team has been scheduled to fight in the main event of the franchise. It is true that his debut in the event was negative, but the athlete approaches the experience differently.

See too

Startled, Jean Silva celebrates Ilia Topuria's exit from the featherweight division and suggests an insane fight for the former UFC champion.

More controversy! Critic hunter Alex Poatan chooses Renato Moicano as his next target: 'He talks a lot of crap'

Alex Poatan reveals that he blocks fans who criticize him, makes a threat, and gives an ultimatum: 'Stop following me!'

Held in September 2025, Noche UFC 3 featured Jean Silva vs. Diego Lopes as the main event, and the atmosphere leading up to the main fight was tense. 'The Lord' openly displayed his dislike for his compatriot, provoking him, but ultimately ended up being knocked out in the second round in a true war. Afterwards, the bad boy insisted on seeking revenge against his tormentor and stated that he would beat him, but a year later, everything changed.

Today, Jean shows that he has turned the page on the rivalry and acknowledges that Diego played a good role in the featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg). In fact, 'Franja' established himself as one of the best fighters in the division and competed for the title on two occasions, but was defeated by Alexander Volkanovski in 2025 and 2026 and is now considering moving up to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg). Therefore, 'Lord' encourages his tormentor to begin the adventure.

“It’s difficult to talk about another person. We usually talk about ourselves because that’s what’s in our control. But I think Diego’s path within this category… He made two very good title runs and didn’t succeed. So, I understand him striving for a different space in another category. He’s even doing that now,” said the fighter at the Noche UFC media day.

Diego Lopes focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Jean Silva in the UFC

Currently, Jean Silva , 29, is ranked sixth in the UFC featherweight division and is seen by many as a threat to the legendary Alexander Volkanovski , the king of the category. In his most recent fight, in January, the Brazilian defeated Arnold Allen by unanimous decision.

For the world's largest MMA organization, the athlete won six fights, five by stoppage (four by knockout and one by submission), and lost one. His main victories were over Arnold Allen , Bryce Mitchell , and Drew Dober.

Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.