Diego Lopes shrugs off Jean Silva’s ‘no-takedown’ purse bet ahead of Noche UFC 3
Silva proposes wagering his entire purse on stopping Lopes’ takedowns; Lopes: “He’ll need that money after he loses.”
Featherweights Diego Lopes and Jean Silva turned up the heat before Saturday’s Noche UFC 3 main event in San Antonio when Silva publicly offered to bet his entire purse that Lopes would fail to land a single takedown. Lopes declined the stunt but fired back with confidence, predicting he’ll finish Silva on fight night.
The Brazilian rivals headline at Frost Bank Center with major divisional stakes on the line. Lopes enters as a top-two contender by some rankings after a breakout year, while Silva’s knockout form and pace make him a live threat—and a lightning rod for pre-fight drama.
Highlights (X & YouTube)
What it means
- Matchup lens: Lopes’ submission chains vs. Silva’s pressure boxing—first clean entry could decide momentum.
- Title picture: A decisive win likely cements the victor as next-up in the featherweight queue.
- Psychology: The bet talk is noise; wrestling entries and cage craft are the tells to watch.