Diego Lopes Delivers Chaos and Comeback in Wild Noche UFC Main Event
It lasted less than two rounds, but the Noche UFC main event should earn a spot in the Fight of the Year conversation.
Diego Lopes returned to the win column in brutal fashion, halting Jean Silva’s momentum with a wild and bloody second-round TKO. The opening minutes featured a tactical exchange of calf kicks, with Silva finding early success by mixing in teeps. But a risky spinning back kick gave Lopes the opportunity he needed. He took Silva’s back and dragged him to the mat, quickly transitioning to mount and slicing him open with relentless 12-6 elbows.
Round 2 saw Silva land heavy shots, testing Lopes’ chin with everything in his arsenal. Sensing a finish, Silva got reckless — and ran straight into a perfectly timed spinning back elbow from Lopes, who sealed the win with ground-and-pound on a bloodied Silva.
One fight removed from a title opportunity, Lopes reminded the world that he’s far more than a flash in the pan. While his defensive gaps are still a concern, his grit, finishing instinct, and all-action style remain elite. A huge bounce-back win — but likely still one victory away from rejoining the title conversation.
Silva’s Lesson: Talent Isn’t Enough
For Jean Silva, this was a tough reality check. The Brazilian prospect is bursting with talent and creativity, but his frantic, high-risk approach cost him dearly. If he can learn to set up his flashy techniques with more structure and patience, the ceiling remains sky-high.
David Martinez Shocks Rob Font in Bantamweight Shakeup
The bantamweight division has a new name to watch. David Martinez pulled off a major upset over veteran Rob Font, stepping in on short notice after Raul Rosas Jr. withdrew due to injury. Font came out aggressive, forcing pocket exchanges, but Martinez stayed composed — creating space with movement and landing sharp kicks from range. Font adjusted in the second round, pressuring forward and dictating pace, but Martinez held strong. In the third, the Mexican fighter found another gear, landing crisp right hands and forcing Font to shoot for takedowns — a rare sight from the Boston brawler. It was a breakout performance that could land Martinez a ranking next.
Rafa Garcia Outlasts Jared Gordon in a Brawl
In a throwback slugfest, Rafa Garcia survived early trouble to stop Jared Gordon in the second round. Gordon pushed a relentless pace, finding success with combinations in the pocket and landing a huge left hook that wobbled Garcia. But Garcia responded with elbows in close quarters, slicing Gordon open. A flush straight right hand followed by more elbows on the ground forced the referee to intervene.
After the fight, Belal Muhammad revealed on X that Gordon had been in a car accident just one day before the bout — possibly explaining the knee sleeve and his uncharacteristic performance.
Kelvin Gastelum Bounces Back — But Misses Weight Again
Kelvin Gastelum earned a much-needed decision win over Dustin Stoltzfus — but not without controversy, as he missed weight by five pounds, the fifth time in his UFC career.
Once Gastelum was able to close the distance and work inside Stoltzfus’s body kicks, his hand speed took over. His left hand repeatedly found the mark, and he stayed busy enough to secure a unanimous decision. Still, the weigh-in issue hangs over the win and raises questions about his future at middleweight.
Alexander Hernandez Adds Another Knockout to His Streak
Alexander Hernandez made it four straight with another emphatic knockout, stopping Diego Ferreira with a laser-accurate right hand. Using lateral movement and targeting the body early, Hernandez forced Ferreira to chase. When the opening came, Hernandez landed a clean straight right that spun Ferreira’s head and dropped him instantly. The follow-up barrage left no doubt.
Santiago Luna Makes a Statement in UFC Debut
Santiago Luna turned a chaotic short-notice debut into a highlight-reel knockout.
After being dropped early by a check hook from Quan Le, Luna fought back, evening the knockdowns at one apiece. Trapping Le against the fence, Luna landed another clean left hook and followed him to the canvas with a hammerfist that ended the fight. An explosive entrance to the UFC for the Mexican prospect.
Dusko Todorovic Dominates for Quick Finish
Serbia’s Dusko Todorovic made quick work of Jose Medina, controlling the fight from the clinch and cutting him open with short shots. A takedown led to back control, and a rear-naked choke ended it before the first round could close.
Tatiana Suarez Gets Back to Her Roots
Rebounding from her first career loss, Tatiana Suarez returned to her wrestling-heavy approach, securing two takedowns and over seven minutes of control time across the first two rounds. Despite a strong comeback attempt from Amanda Lemos in Round 3, Suarez’s early dominance secured the decision.
Jesus Aguilar Guts Out a Win Over Luis Gurule
Jesus Aguilar used a strong mix of boxing and calf kicks to edge out a competitive fight with Luis Gurule. Though Gurule stormed back in Round 2 with heavy right hands, Aguilar responded in the third with power shots of his own to seal his fourth UFC win on two of the three judges’ scorecards.
Reese vs. Dumas Ends in No Contest
A promising middleweight clash between Zachary Reese and Sedriques Dumas ended prematurely due to an accidental low blow from Reese. Dumas was unable to recover, resulting in a no contest.
Alden Coria Impresses in First UFC Win
Texas native Alden Coria looked sharp in the early going against Alessandro Costa, using crisp boxing to win the first round. When Costa turned to his grappling, Coria showed his versatility, reversing position and dealing damage on top. Late in the second, Costa suffered a foot injury, and Coria swarmed with a long combination to earn a third-round TKO.
Montserrat Rendon Outduels Teenage Phenom
In a battle of rising prospects, Montserrat Rendon used forward pressure, heavy hands, and unrelenting grit to outwork 19-year-old Alice Pereira. The Mexican fighter’s willingness to trade paid off in a close but deserved victory.
Daniil Donchenko Wins TUF 33 Welterweight Crown
Daniil Donchenko became the TUF 33 welterweight champion with a devastating first-round finish over Rodrigo Sezinando. After opening a cut with an elbow, Donchenko landed a big right hand and followed up with ground strikes to close the show.
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