UFC Fight Night 252, featuring the highly anticipated fight between Jean Silva and Melisic Baghdasaryan, is just around the corner. Scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, this matchup promises to deliver electrifying action as both fighters seek to make their mark.
Jean Silva, known as “Lord” in Brazil, boasts a commendable record of 14 wins and 2 losses, with 11 of those wins coming by way of knockout. Silva’s last outing ended spectacularly when he defeated Drew Dober via technical knockout, showcasing his knockout prowess. He has quickly risen through the ranks since debuting with the UFC, demonstrating his formidable skills with 4 knockouts among his 4 wins within the organization.
On the other hand, Melisic Baghdasaryan, nicknamed “The Gun”, holds a record of 8 wins and 5 losses. While his most recent contest saw him victorious against Tucker Lutz, he faces the challenge of battling one of the division's top prospects. Baghdasaryan, who has 3 wins by knockout, will need to leverage his skills effectively to counter Silva’s aggressive style.
The event is set to commence at 8:40 PM ET, with the preliminaries kicking off earlier. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. For international viewers, specific times may vary, and it is recommended to check local listings to avoid missing out on the event.
Silva enters this fight with momentum on his side, maintaining a streak of 12 consecutive victories. The Brazilian fighter's remarkable career stats reflect his capability of finishing fights early. With 79% of his wins coming by knockout, he is regarded as the clear favorite among bookmakers, with odds of 1.2 (-500).
Baghdasaryan’s odds, meanwhile, sit at 5.0 (+400), indicating he is viewed as the underdog. If he manages to pull off the upset, betting on his victory could yield significant rewards, with potential winnings of $400 for every $100 wagered.
Given these odds, it's evident Silva is the choice for many observers. Silva’s ability to mix power punches with effective combinations gives him the upper hand, with some expert predictions leaning heavily toward his winning by knockout or decision. Betting on Silva winning via knockout rests at +106, and via decision stands at +240, which demonstrates confidence from analysts.
The fighters' statistics also add another layer to the matchup. Silva's average fight time is approximately 9:16 minutes, with him landing 5.37 significant strikes per minute. His takedown defense is impressive at 80%, making it difficult for opponents to take the fight to the ground.
Conversely, Baghdasaryan has shown resilience, landing 5.28 strikes per minute with decent takedown defense at 72%. His capability to engage effectively during exchanges will be put to the test against Silva, who exhibits superior finishing ability.
Promoting the fight initially, it is worth noting the main event will feature Henry Cejudo against Yadong Song, adding more excitement to the UFC Fight Night 252 card. This fight will be closely watched as both Silva and Baghdasaryan are aware of the stakes involved—not just for personal pride but for potential movement up the rankings as well.
Fight analysts also caution against overlooking Baghdasaryan’s experience. He steps onto the canvas having transitioned from kickboxing to mixed martial arts, and many agree he possesses knockout power capable of turning the tide. The most recent victory by decision could give him the confidence needed to withstand Silva’s early onslaught.
Once the bout is complete, fans can expect discussions around potential future fights stemming from this encounter. Silva's call-out of Bryce Mitchell could add another layer of narrative, propelling the winner closer to title contention. With stakes this high, both fighters are expected to put on their best performance.
Betting patterns reflect the imbalance between the fighters based on their records and performances. The contrasting fighting styles between Silva's knockout proficiency and Baghdasaryan's tactical approach sets the stage for what could be a thrilling encounter.
With the bout approaching, fans are filled with anticipation—the energy of the crowd at the Climate Pledge Arena will undoubtedly fuel both men as they step inside the octagon. The “Lord” versus “The Gun” is set to become one of the night's highlights, and UFC Fight Night 252 will deliver the excitement expected from such talent.
By analyzing previous performances and considering professional betting odds, expectations for this matchup are understandably high. The underlying narratives and stakes provide the perfect backdrop for this duel, ensuring it will be talked about long after the final bell rings.
All focus will now turn to the event, as both fighters prepare for what promises to be a compelling clash as part of UFC Fight Night 252. Fans worldwide are gearing up for the showdown, eager to see if Silva can maintain his spectacular ascent or if Baghdasaryan will upset the odds.