The Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, is buzzing this weekend as Noche UFC delivers a stacked card brimming with high-stakes matchups and compelling storylines. With the event falling on Mexican Independence Day, the atmosphere is electric, the fighters are fired up, and fans are in for an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action. From rising contenders to seasoned veterans, every bout on Saturday, September 13, 2025, promises drama and intensity. Let’s dive into the pivotal matchups, the fighters’ tales, and what’s at stake as the action unfolds live on ESPN+.
Headlining the night is a featherweight showdown that’s got the MMA world talking: Diego Lopes versus Jean Silva. Lopes, boasting a 26-7 record, has taken the UFC by storm since his short-notice debut just under two years ago. His meteoric ascent saw him challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight championship, and though he came up short in a unanimous decision, his performance cemented his place among the division’s elite. Now sitting as the UFC’s No. 2-ranked featherweight, Lopes is eyeing another shot at gold, but first, he must get past the surging Jean Silva.
Silva, at 16-2 and ranked No. 10, is no mere stepping stone. He’s earned a reputation as one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous finishers, having stopped all five of his UFC opponents, including a devastating performance against Bryce Mitchell. Silva’s ferocious style and knack for ending fights have made him a fan favorite and a legitimate threat to anyone in the top ten. The winner of this bout could find themselves on the fast track toward a title shot, with both men eager to seize the opportunity.
The stakes are personal, too. Lopes, though Brazilian by birth, represents Mexico on this special card, adding a layer of pressure and pride. “I think he has too much pressure on his back,” Lopes told CBS Sports when asked about Silva. “He’s the only guy from his team who is still undefeated in the UFC. I think he has a lot of responsibility on him. This is better for me. Maybe he tries to do everything perfectly. When you try to do everything perfectly, you make many mistakes.”
Silva, however, is unfazed by the spotlight or the setbacks suffered by his Fighting Nerds teammates, Caio Borralho and Mauricio Ruffy, who both lost in Paris. “It doesn’t do anything for me,” Silva told CBS Sports through a Portuguese interpreter. “Everyone knows how close I am to Ruffy. Obviously, it was upsetting but it doesn’t change anything. I go in there with a lot of love. I love what I do. I put all my heart into it. You won’t find someone who trains more than me. When I fought Drew Dober, I broke both hands. Three days later, I was riding the bike at the UFC Performance Institute. I love what I do.”
According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Silva is the favorite at -258, while Lopes is the underdog at +210. Yet, many analysts see the fight as a toss-up, given Lopes’ experience against top competition and his never-say-die approach. He’s never been stopped in the UFC, and his submission skills could be the X-factor if the fight hits the mat. Still, Silva’s striking offense and defense, alongside his finishing instincts, make this a can’t-miss main event. The prediction from CBS Sports leans toward Lopes via unanimous decision, banking on his experience and skill set to carry him through a wild, back-and-forth affair.
The main card is loaded with more than just featherweight fireworks. In the middleweight division, the spotlight falls on Kelvin Gastelum and Dustin Stoltzfus—a matchup that’s as intriguing as it is unpredictable. Gastelum, once a title challenger and perennial contender, has hit a rough patch, winning just three of his last ten fights since his epic clash with Israel Adesanya at UFC 236. The 33-year-old southpaw enters with a 20-10 record, but questions about his form and future linger.
Gastelum’s recent struggles have seen him go the distance in six of his last seven bouts, with only a submission loss to Sean Brady breaking the trend. His significant strikes landed per minute (3.67) outpace Stoltzfus (3.14), but his accuracy lags behind at 46.27% compared to Stoltzfus’ impressive 57.81%. Gastelum’s takedown average sits at 1.05 per fight, with a 34.33% success rate, while Stoltzfus, also 33, boasts a 2.26 takedown average and 41.18% accuracy. The American also enjoys a four-inch reach advantage, which could play a pivotal role in dictating the range and tempo of the fight.
Stoltzfus, holding a 16-7 record, has had a bumpy ride in the UFC, going 3-6 since his debut. However, his recent stats suggest he’s evolving, with more accurate striking and a higher submission average (1.29 per fight) than Gastelum (0.09). Despite being the underdog at +180 (Gastelum is favored at -220 per BetMGM), Stoltzfus is seen by some as a smart bet due to his reach, accuracy, and ability to mix things up on the ground and feet. The odds also heavily favor the bout going the distance, with ‘Yes’ listed at -175, reflecting both men’s tendencies to see the final bell.
There’s added drama surrounding Gastelum, who missed weight by five pounds at Friday’s weigh-ins. Despite the setback, the fight is set to proceed, with Gastelum forfeiting a chunk of his purse. This misstep only adds to the intrigue—will the weight miss sap his energy, or will his experience shine through?
The middleweight action doesn’t stop there. Jose Medina and Dusko Todorovic square off in a contest that could have major implications for the division’s pecking order. Medina (11-5), a Bolivian striker with knockout power, is desperate for a signature win after a rocky UFC run. His stats—2.18 significant strikes landed per minute, 36% accuracy, and a worrying 31% takedown defense—paint the picture of a fighter who needs to land big early or risk being picked apart.
Todorovic (12-6), the Serbian technician, brings a more well-rounded game. He lands 4.79 significant strikes per minute with a sharp 57% accuracy and is comfortable both standing and grappling, averaging 1.50 takedowns per fight. At 31, Todorovic’s consistency has been suspect, but his technical edge and stamina make him the clear favorite at -420 (Medina sits at +330). The odds for the fight going the distance are -130, with a finish before the final bell at +102. Most analysts expect Todorovic to control the action and win via unanimous decision, but with both men’s backs against the wall, expect fireworks early.
The rest of the card features notable names and rising prospects, including bantamweight Rob Font taking on David Martinez and lightweight Jared Gordon battling Rafa Garcia. Each fight adds another layer to an already thrilling night, with storylines and stakes that could reshape divisions.
As the fighters make their final preparations and the Frost Bank Center fills with anticipation, one thing’s for sure—Noche UFC is set to deliver the kind of unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back for more. With title implications, redemption arcs, and national pride all on the line, every bout matters. Don’t blink—this is MMA at its finest, and the action is just getting started in San Antonio.
