- Silva averages 1.66 more takedowns per fight with 39% better accuracy
- 3 submission victories in Silva's last 5 fights vs 0 finishes for Barbosa
- Silva's 100% win rate before last fight vs Barbosa's 50% overall
- 179-day average between fights for Silva vs 16 days for Barbosa suggests better preparation
Write-up
Silva's elite grappling credentials (3.59 takedowns per fight, 72% accuracy) combined with her 3 submission wins in last 5 fights make her the clear favorite. Despite similar submission rates, Silva's superior takedown accuracy (72% vs 33%) and perfect UFC record before her last loss indicate higher skill ceiling.
- Significantly higher takedown accuracy and volume for Silva
- Barbosa's relatively weak takedown defense (42%)
- Both fighters are submission threats, but Silva's offensive grappling is more proven at UFC level
Write-up
Silva's aggressive grappling (3.59 takedowns per 15 min, 72% accuracy) and high submission average (2.2 per 15 min) give her a proven edge against Barbosa, whose takedown defense is just 42%. While Barbosa is defensively sound on the feet and matches Silva's submission output, her lower grappling volume and takedown accuracy (33%) suggest Silva can dictate ground exchanges. Silva's finishing instincts and control in transitions are likely decisive.