PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Denise Kielholtz (8-5-0) vs. Antonia Silvaneide (9-4-0)
PFL Dubai kicks off the promotion’s 2026 season with a women’s flyweight prelim bout between Dutch kickboxing veteran Denise “Miss Dynamite” Kielholtz and Brazilian knockout artist Antonia “Marretinha” Silvaneide. Kielholtz, a former Bellator title challenger with elite striking credentials, enters her PFL debut aiming to rebound from a mixed recent run. Silvaneide, riding a five-fight win streak with all but one by TKO, looks to make a statement against a high-profile opponent in this three-round clash. Originally slated as Kielholtz vs. Dakota Ditcheva, the matchup shifted due to Ditcheva’s withdrawal, adding an element of opportunity for Silvaneide. This fight bolsters a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis.
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (indoor arena with capacity around 17,000; a staple for major MMA events in the Middle East).
Start Time: Prelims at 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. local time in Dubai); Main Card at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. local). As a prelim bout, Kielholtz vs. Silvaneide is expected around 9:30-10:30 a.m. ET.
Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.); Starzplay (MENA region).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of February 3, 2026. Kielholtz has a history of minor issues but competed without setbacks in her 2023 bouts. Silvaneide also enters with a clean bill of health, having no documented problems from her 2025 wins. Note that this matchup was a late change after Dakota Ditcheva withdrew due to a hand injury from her original booking against Kielholtz.
Fighter Matchups
This three-round women’s flyweight (125 lbs) prelim bout features Kielholtz’s kickboxing precision against Silvaneide’s aggressive knockout hunting. Key elements:
Striking Exchanges: Kielholtz, a former Bellator Kickboxing champion, averages 4.2 significant strikes per minute with 48% accuracy, using distance and counters (2 KO/TKO wins). Silvaneide lands 5.1 strikes per minute with power (6 KO/TKO wins, 67% finish rate), preferring forward pressure but absorbing more (3.8 per minute).
Grappling Dynamics: Kielholtz has 3 submission wins but prefers stand-up, with 65% takedown defense. Silvaneide has no submissions but strong ground-and-pound from top position, averaging 1.8 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Physical Attributes: Both 5’3″ with similar reach (Kielholtz 66″, Silvaneide 65″); Kielholtz (36) has experience edge over Silvaneide (33), but Silvaneide’s youth could aid in pace.
Intangibles: Kielholtz’s kickboxing base could exploit Silvaneide’s forward style, but Silvaneide’s power (67% KO rate) poses upset risk. Neutral venue favors neither, but Kielholtz’s name value adds pressure.
The fight likely goes to decision if Kielholtz controls range, or ends by TKO if Silvaneide closes distance.
Recent Form
Denise Kielholtz (8-5): On a two-fight win streak after three losses, focusing on decisions. Form: W-W-L-L-L (strong striking, but vulnerable to grapplers).
Antonia Silvaneide (9-4): Riding a five-fight win streak, all but one by TKO. Form: W-W-W-W-W (power-focused, aggressive finisher).
| Fighter | Pro Record | KO Rate | Last 5 Fights | Rounds Fought | Streak |
| Denise Kielholtz | 8-5 | 25% | W-UD (Inaba, Nov 2023), W-UD (Cristina, May 2023), L-SD (Joanne, Dec 2022), L-Sub (Watanabe, May 2022), L-SD (Velasquez, Jul 2021) | ~60 | 2 Wins |
| Antonia Silvaneide | 9-4 | 67% | W-TKO4 (van Rooij, Jun 2025), W-TKO2 (Olivares, Sep 2024), W-TKO1 (Oliveira, Dec 2023), W-TKO1 (Nepomuceno, May 2023), W-UD (Prior) | ~40 | 5 Wins |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Kielholtz is 2-3 against power punchers in recent bouts, often going to decisions. Silvaneide is 4-1 vs. strikers, with TKOs key to her streak.
FIGHT ODDS
Denise Kielholtz – 250
Antonia Silvaneide + 200
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
