TLDR
- Arnold Allen (+215) faces Jean Silva (-265) in featherweight opener at UFC 324 on January 25, 2025
- Silva rides 6-1 UFC record with five finishes, while Allen bounced back from two losses with win over Giga Chikadze
- Allen has never been finished in 23 pro fights but returns after 18-month layoff
- Silva’s last fight was second-round TKO loss to Diego Lopes in September 2024
- Fight takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 9:15 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Main Event Odds (DraftKings)
- Arnold Allen: +215
- Jean Silva: -265
- Over 2.5 rounds: -130
- Under 2.5 rounds: +100
Arnold Allen returns to the octagon after an 18-month absence to face Jean Silva in the featherweight division opener at UFC 324. The fight takes place Saturday, January 25, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Allen enters with a 20-3 record, coming off a decision win over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304 in July 2024. That victory snapped a two-fight losing streak that included decisions to Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev. The 31-year-old Englishman has never been knocked out or submitted in his professional career.
Silva brings a 16-3 record and has finished five of his six UFC victories. The 28-year-old Brazilian submitted Bryce Mitchell with a ninja choke and scored a first-round TKO over Melsik Baghdasaryan in 2025. His only recent loss came via second-round TKO to Diego Lopes in September 2024.
The betting markets favor Silva heavily at -265, with Allen listed as a +215 underdog. Oddsmakers set the over/under at 2.5 rounds, with the under priced at +100 and the over at -130.
Allen’s Path to Victory
Allen’s defensive skills give him a clear advantage in extended fights. His southpaw jab, footwork, and calf kicks can disrupt Silva’s aggressive forward movement. Allen averages 3.45 strikes per minute with 61% defensive accuracy.
The Tristar Gym fighter has faced elite competition including Holloway, Hooker, and Yusuff without being finished. His ability to pressure forward with a high guard and roll with punches has kept him standing against powerful strikers. Allen also holds wrestling advantages with 0.93 takedowns per fight and 75% takedown defense.
Silva’s Finishing Power
Silva delivers 4.79 strikes per minute with 51% accuracy, both higher than Allen’s numbers. His knockout power comes primarily from right-side strikes, finishing all his UFC KO victories with shots from that side. Silva mixes elbows and short hooks effectively at close range.
The Brazilian’s multi-layered pressure and stance switches create problems for technical fighters. He holds submission threats in every scramble, averaging 0.8 submissions per fight compared to Allen’s 0.3. Silva’s body-head combinations and willingness to engage in brawls can force opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.
Allen’s layoff could prove problematic against Silva’s pace. Ring rust combined with Silva’s finishing instincts creates danger for the Englishman in the opening rounds. Allen drops his lead hand during exchanges, leaving openings for power shots.
Silva’s recent loss to Lopes showed vulnerability when opponents keep him moving backward. His tendency to overextend cost him in that September fight. Allen’s disciplined distance management and clinch work could exploit these weaknesses if he survives early pressure.
The fight airs on Paramount+ with the bout scheduled for approximately 9:15 p.m. ET (6:15 p.m. PT, 2:15 a.m. GMT Sunday). Allen has compiled 11 finishes in his career including seven knockouts and four submissions. Silva has 15 finishes with 12 knockouts and three submissions.
