Noche UFC 3 – Claudio Puelles vs Joaquim Silva: Leg-lock hunter Puelles meets explosive puncher Silva. Can Silva’s power and pressure hold up against Puelles’ chain wrestling and knee-bar threats?
Matchup Lightweight (155 lb)
Tale of the Tape
Age: 29
Height: 5’10" (178 cm)
Reach: 72" (183 cm)
Stance: Southpaw
Camp: Kill Cliff FC
Base: Grappler / leg entanglements
Country: 🇵🇪Peru
Age
Height
Reach
Stance
Camp
Base
Country
Age: 36
Height: 5’8" (173 cm)
Reach: 69" (175 cm)
Stance: Southpaw
Camp: American Top Team
Base: Power boxer / kicks
Country:
Brazil🇧🇷
Recent Form Last 5 fights
Claudio Puelles
- L vs Fares Ziam — DEC (SD), UFC FN (Feb 24, 2024)
- L vs Dan Hooker — TKO (Body Kick) UFC 281 (Nov 12, 2022)
- W vs Clay Guida — SUB (Kneebar), UFC FN (Apr 23, 2022)
- W vs Chris Gruetzemacher — SUB (Kneebar), UFC on ESPN 31 (Dec 4, 2021)
- W vs Jordan Leavitt — DEC (UD), UFC FN (Jun 5, 2021)
Joaquim Silva
- L vs Drakkar Klose — DEC (UD), UFC 301 (May 4, 2024)
- W vs Clay Guida — DEC (UD), UFC on ESPN 52 (Dec 2, 2023)
- L vs Arman Tsarukyan — TKO, UFC on ESPN 47 (Jun 17, 2023)
- W vs Jesse Ronson — TKO, UFC FN (Oct 1, 2022)
- L vs Ricky Glenn — KO, UFC on ESPN 25 (Jun 19, 2021)
Styles, Strengths & Weaknesses
Claudio Puelles
- Strengths: Slick single-legs into leg entanglements; dangerous kneebar series; solid clinch trips.
- Weaknesses: Low striking output; body-shot vulnerability; can stall at distance.
- Game Plan: Feint entries → finish on fence; threaten legs to force scrambles, ride top when available.
Joaquim Silva
- Strengths: Explosive hooks and combinations; heavy kicks; legit BJJ if he gets top.
- Weaknesses: Defensive lapses during exchanges; cardio dips under wrestling pressure.
- Game Plan: Keep center; sprawl-and-brawl; punish body/legs and pivot off clinches.
Win Conditions
Puelles
- Turn caught kicks into single-legs/inside trips.
- Chain leg attacks to back-takes and top control.
- Body-lock to mat returns; avoid extended boxing trades.
Silva
- Occupy the center with jab/low kick; sprawl immediately.
- Target the body to blunt grappling attempts.
- Break clinches fast; reset before Puelles latches legs.
Prediction
Pick: Claudio Puelles by Decision (29-28)
Confidence: ~55% — narrow edge for grappling control; Silva’s power swings close rounds.
FAQ
ESPN: How to watch (Prelims 3pm ET / Main 6pm ET)