The second fight on tonight’s UFC 324 Main Card features a high-stakes Women’s Flyweight contest between former Strawweight title holder No. 6 Rose Namajunas, taking on No. 2 Natalia Silva. Silva has won 13 consecutive fights while 3-1 in her previous four contests and is coming off a win over Miranda Maverick.
Check out my best bet for Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas at UFC 324.
Natalia Silva To Win By Decision (-225)
Rose Namajunas is a former two-time UFC Champion but is looking to get closer to an opportunity at a second-division title. When Namajunas entered the UFC, she had many exciting finishes and fights, but she has recently lacked that same urgency she once had. Five of Namajunas’ first eight victories in the UFC came by knockout or submission. Since her last knockout in April 2021, Namajunas’ last seven bout have gone to a decison.
Silva, 28, has a record of 19-5-1 with 12 finishes but hasn’t lost a fight in nine years. Since entering the UFC in 2017, Silva has beaten all seven opponents she has faced, with her last two coming against former champions, Jessica Andrade and Alexa Grasso. If Silva can add another former champion to her resume, a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko seems inevitable.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Silva is a -310 favorite with Namajunas being the underdog at +250. The over/under is 2.5 rounds, with the over at -660 and the under at +420. This fight is also -500 to go to a judges’ decision.
Silva has the biggest advantage in this contest on the feet as she averages 5.04 significant strikes per minute compared to Namajunas’ 3.60. Silva is also the more efficient striker and is good defensively. If Silva keeps this strictly a striking matchup, she has all the tools to control Namajunas for 15 minutes. Since Silva’s last four wins have come by decision, it is best to back her at -225 to win on the judges’ scorecards in this contest.
