MMA Match Preview: Natalia Silva (19-5-1) vs. Rose Namajunas (15-7-0)
The women’s flyweight division heats up at UFC 324 as surging contender Natalia Silva (19-5-1) looks to extend her impressive win streak against former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (15-7-0), who aims to rebound and climb the rankings. Silva, a Brazilian striker with elite decision-making and finishing ability, enters as a heavy favorite after a dominant run, including back-to-back wins over former champions. Namajunas, “Thug Rose,” brings championship experience, wrestling, and submission threats but has struggled with consistency in flyweight, alternating wins and losses. This bout could be a technical striking chess match at range, with Silva’s volume clashing against Namajunas’ counter-punching, or turn to the ground where both excel in submissions. No prior bad blood, but Silva steps in on short notice after Alexa Grasso’s injury withdrawal, adding unpredictability. A win for Silva could position her for a title shot, while Namajunas needs a statement to re-enter contention. On a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this main card fight has high stakes for the 125-pound division.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile women’s flyweight fights, including several title bouts with dramatic decisions and submissions.
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). This fight is on the main card, likely airing around 10:00-10:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Natalia Silva: No reported injuries. Silva enters fully healthy after her most recent win in May 2025, with no setbacks noted in training camp. She stepped in on short notice (announced December 3, 2025) but confirmed readiness in interviews.
Rose Namajunas: No active injuries. Namajunas’ last fight in June 2025 was unaffected by health issues, though her opponent Miranda Maverick suffered a torn ACL during the bout. Namajunas has focused on recovery from past neck and hand problems but reports peak condition for this matchup.
Fighter Matchups
This women’s flyweight (125 lbs) main card bout contrasts Silva’s (5’4″, 65″ reach, 28 years old) precise striking and submission defense with Namajunas’ (5’5″, 65″ reach, 33 years old) wrestling and guillotine threats. Silva lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 46% accuracy, with strong takedown defense (85%) and cardio for decisions (32% of wins by DEC). She’s an orthodox fighter who excels in volume and counters. Namajunas absorbs 3.8 strikes per minute but counters with 4.2 at 45% accuracy, averaging 1.5 takedowns per 15 minutes at 50% success and submission attempts (37% of wins by sub). Styles clash: Silva’s stand-up volume vs. Namajunas’ grappling; if Namajunas takes it down, her subs threaten, but Silva’s defense and scrambling could force a stand-up war where her precision shines.
Recent Form
Natalia Silva: On a 13-fight win streak (7-0 in UFC). Last 5: W (UD vs. Alexa Grasso, May 10, 2025), W (UD vs. Jessica Andrade, Sep 7, 2024), W (UD vs. Viviane Araujo, Feb 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Andrea Lee, Aug 19, 2023), W (UD vs. Victoria Leonardo, Jun 17, 2023). Form emphasizes unanimous decision dominance (6 of 19 wins by DEC), with improved volume striking and flawless takedown defense in recent bouts.
Rose Namajunas: 3-2 in last 5, alternating wins and losses. Last 5: W (UD vs. Miranda Maverick, Jun 14, 2025), L (UD vs. Erin Blanchfield, Nov 2, 2024), W (UD vs. Tracy Cortez, Jul 13, 2024), L (UD vs. Manon Fiorot, Sep 2, 2023), W (UD vs. Amanda Ribas, Mar 23, 2024). Form shows decision-heavy wins (6 of 15 by DEC), with strong grappling but vulnerabilities to volume strikers in recent defeats.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Silva and Namajunas—no prior head-to-head history or bad blood. They share no common opponents of note. Silva’s UFC record (7-0) contrasts Namajunas’ extensive tenure (12-6), but Silva stepped in after Alexa Grasso’s injury withdrawal (announced Dec 3, 2025). No feuds; a clean stylistic matchup with Silva riding momentum.
FIGHT ODDS
Natalia Silva – 400
Rose Namajunas + 330
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
