MMA Match Preview: Arnold Allen (20-3) vs. Jean Silva (16-3)
The featherweight division delivers a clash of styles at UFC 324 as No. 6-ranked Arnold “Almighty” Allen (20-3) aims to build on his recent win against the explosive Jean “Lord” Silva (16-3), who seeks redemption after his first UFC loss. Allen, a technical striker with solid grappling, returns after an 18-month layoff due to a shoulder injury, facing a Brazilian knockout artist known for his aggressive, finish-heavy approach. This bout could end early if Silva’s power connects or go the distance if Allen’s experience and cardio prevail. With no prior encounters, the fight adds unpredictability to a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This iconic 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, hosting high-stakes events with its state-of-the-art setup and electric atmosphere, ideal for a potential Fight of the Night contender.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). The fight is on the main card (bout No. 9 of 13), likely airing around 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Arnold Allen: Fully recovered from a severe shoulder injury (separated AC joint) sustained before his July 2024 camp against Movsar Evloev. He underwent surgery and rehabbed for 18 months, reporting no issues in training. Cleared for action with full mobility.
Jean Silva: No reported injuries. Coming off a TKO loss to Diego Lopes in September 2025, but he sustained no long-term damage. Fully healthy after a 13-fight win streak was snapped.
Fighter Matchups
This featherweight bout contrasts Allen’s (5’8″, 70″ reach, 31 years old) technical striking and grappling (4 submissions) with Silva’s (5’7″, 69″ reach, 29 years old) aggressive power punching (12 KOs). Allen lands 4.2 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy with strong takedown defense (80%), favoring patient counter-striking. Silva absorbs more (4.8 strikes per minute) but boasts a 2.1 knockdown rate per 15 minutes, thriving in chaotic brawls. If Allen dictates range, he could outpoint Silva; if Silva closes distance, his finishing ability (10 first-round wins) shines. No grappling edge for either, but Allen’s experience (11-2 UFC) vs. Silva’s momentum (5-1 UFC, all finishes before last loss) could decide.
Recent Form
Arnold Allen: On a 1-fight win streak after snapping a 2-fight skid. Overall 3-2 in last 5: W (UD vs. Chikadze, Jul 2024), L (UD vs. Evloev, Jan 2024), L (UD vs. Holloway, Apr 2023), W (TKO vs. Kattar, Oct 2022), W (TKO vs. Hooker, Mar 2022). Form highlights durability and finishing power, but recent losses to top contenders show vulnerabilities against elite wrestlers/strikers.
Jean Silva: 4-1 in last 5, snapping a 13-fight win streak with his first UFC loss. Recent: L (TKO vs. Lopes, Sep 2025), W (Sub vs. Mitchell, Apr 2025), W (KO vs. Baghdasaryan, Feb 2025), W (TKO vs. Dober, Jul 2024), W (KO vs. Jourdain, Jun 2024). Form emphasizes finishing ability (15/16 wins by stoppage), but loss exposed cardio issues in longer fights.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Allen and Silva—no prior head-to-head. Common opponents include Bryce Mitchell (Silva W Sub 2025; Allen has not fought him) and Calvin Kattar (Allen W TKO 2022; Silva no). Allen’s UFC tenure (11-2) edges Silva’s (5-1), but Silva’s recent finishes highlight his threat. No bad blood reported.
FIGHT ODDS
Arnold Allen + 210
Jean Silva – 250
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
