TLDR
- Jean Silva defeated Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 324 in Las Vegas
- Silva bounced back from his first UFC loss to Diego Lopes with the victory over Allen
- Allen controlled the first round with movement and jabs, but Silva’s pressure and power strikes won rounds two and three
- The fight opened the main card for UFC’s first event on Paramount+ with intense back-and-forth action
- Silva called out the featherweight champion after the win, declaring “I’m next” for a title shot
Sources: MMA Fighting | MMA Mania | CBS Sports
Jean Silva bounced back from his first UFC defeat with a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen at UFC 324 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The judges scored the featherweight bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Silva.
The fight opened the main card for the first UFC event broadcast on Paramount+. Both fighters entered the cage as top-ranked featherweights looking to move closer to a title shot.
Allen controlled much of the first round with his movement and jab, staying mobile and circling away from Silva’s power. The British fighter landed several combinations and leg kicks while Silva paced forward cautiously.
Silva landed a hard flurry in the final seconds of the opening round. Allen connected with a straight left hand earlier in the frame that appeared to give him an edge.
Exchange of Power Shots in Middle Rounds
The second round featured back-and-forth action with both fighters landing powerful strikes. Silva began opening up more with left hands and head kicks while Allen continued working his jab and throwing spinning attacks.
Allen attempted a takedown midway through the second round but Silva defended well. Silva also looked for a takedown that Allen stuffed, keeping the fight standing.
Tension built between rounds when Allen offered Silva a high-five after the first round, which Silva ignored. Allen responded by shoving Silva and received a verbal warning from the referee.
The third and final round proved crucial for Silva’s victory. He increased his pressure and landed cleaner, more powerful strikes while Allen’s accuracy decreased.
Silva Secures Victory in Final Frame
Silva attempted another takedown in the third round and used the position for close-range striking. He landed multiple head kicks late in the fight that caught Allen’s attention.
With seconds remaining, Silva jumped on Allen’s back as he was on the ground before jumping off. The unusual move capped an intense 15 minutes of action.
The competitive atmosphere disappeared immediately after the final bell. Silva emotionally embraced Allen, and both fighters expressed mutual respect during their post-fight interviews.
“This is a real dude right here,” Silva said about Allen. “It’s very hard to fight someone who is an idol of yours. I really admire the guy.”
Silva, 29, had suffered his first UFC loss to Diego Lopes via spinning elbow in his previous fight. That defeat came when he was one win away from a potential title shot.
Allen, 31, had not fought in 2025 and came into the bout following wins over Giga Chikadze in 2024 and a close decision loss to Movsar Evloev. Despite a decade on the UFC roster, the English fighter remains without a title shot.
Silva made his championship intentions clear in his post-fight interview. “I don’t care who’s the champion,” Silva shouted. “I’m next!”
The victory likely moves Silva into the top six rankings at featherweight. Diego Lopes, who handed Silva his only UFC loss, is scheduled to fight for the title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325 on January 31.
