Jean Silva calls Diego Lopes knockout loss his favourite UFC fight despite the defeat

Jean Silva has singled out the fight he lost as the best of his UFC career, describing his second-round knockout defeat to Diego Lopes at Noche UFC 3 last September as his favourite bout in the promotion.

Silva posted his verdict on X, writing: “I say it and repeat it; even having lost, this was my favorite fight. Two guys ready and willing to simply go at it with their fists, nothing more… I love that.” The Brazilian, nicknamed “Lord”, said he particularly valued Lopes’s willingness to stand and trade rather than look for a tactical advantage.

The two fighters had built a heated rivalry before their Noche UFC 3 headliner, and the bout lived up to the billing. Lopes dropped Silva with a spinning backfist late in the second round and followed up with hammer-fists to seal the finish — a result that ended Silva’s run of five consecutive UFC stoppages.

Silva entered that contest having finished all five of his previous UFC opponents, making the loss his first inside the promotion. He responded by returning to winning ways with a unanimous decision over Arnold Allen in January, improving his overall record to 17-3.

The 26-year-old is now set to headline Noche UFC 4 against Jose Delgado (12-2) on September 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, giving him the chance to build on that rebound in another high-profile main event slot.

Lopes, meanwhile, is reported to be considering a move up to lightweight after falling short in two featherweight title challenges.