MMA Match Preview: Claudio Puelles (12-4-0) vs. Joaquim Silva (13-5-0)

Event & Venue Details

Event: UFC Fight Night 259 — Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva

Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Local Start Time: Prelims 5:00 PM CT / Main Card 8:00 PM CT

Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S.), TNT Sports (UK), UFC Fight Pass (international)

Bout Billing: Featured Prelim — classic grappler vs. striker matchup

Injury & Availability Report

Claudio Puelles: No reported injuries; returns after a 19-month layoff since February 2024.

Joaquim Silva: No reported injuries; active in 2024 with two fights.

Both fighters enter healthy, with full camps completed.

Recent Form & Fight History

Claudio Puelles

Last 5: 3-2

Most Recent: Split decision loss to Fares Ziam (Feb 2024)

Notable Wins: Clay Guida (kneebar), Chris Gruetzemacher (kneebar), Jordan Leavitt (UD)

Style: Elite leg-lock specialist; dangerous in scrambles; limited striking output.

Concerns: Struggles to get fights to the mat against strong defensive wrestlers; low striking volume.

Joaquim Silva

Last 5: 2-3

Most Recent: Decision loss to Drakkar Klose (May 2024)

Notable Wins: Clay Guida (UD), Jared Gordon (KO), Reza Madadi (KO)

Style: Power striker with solid BJJ base; prefers stand-up battles.

Concerns: Durability issues; can be overwhelmed by sustained grappling pressure.

Matchup Analysis

Striking: Silva has the edge in power and volume; Puelles’ stand-up is serviceable but not a fight-winning weapon.

Grappling: Puelles is the more dangerous submission artist, especially with kneebars and leg locks; Silva’s BJJ is solid but rarely used offensively.

Cardio: Both have shown fade potential; Silva’s output drops in later rounds, Puelles slows if takedowns are stuffed.

Intangibles: Puelles is younger, taller, and longer; Silva has more UFC experience and has faced higher-ranked opposition.

Betting Trends

Line Movement: Opened near pick’em; Silva money has pushed him to a small favorite.

Public Action: Slight majority on Silva ML; sharper action split, with some backing Puelles’ submission threat.

Prop Interest: “Fight goes the distance” is seeing moderate play; Puelles by submission and Silva by KO are the most popular method props.

Historical Trends: Puelles is 5-0 in UFC when landing 2+ takedowns; Silva is 6-1 when landing 40+ significant strikes.

FIGHT ODDS

Claudio Puelles                – 140

Joaquim Silva                    + 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025