Jean Silva explains why staying active is crucial to title shot hopes
The Brazilian featherweight believes remaining active could be key to securing his next title opportunity.
Jean Silva knows that beating Jose Delgado on Saturday at Noche UFC 4 could put him in position to challenge for the UFC featherweight title. However, the No. 6-ranked fighter also believes staying active is crucial to maintaining his place in the title picture. Silva has not fought since defeating Arnold Allen by unanimous decision in January.
Jean Silva Explains His Concern About Staying Active
Silva has been waiting for his next opportunity since his win over Allen in January. While he was originally scheduled to face Yair Rodriguez, an injury forced the former interim champion out of the matchup, with Delgado stepping in as a replacement. Silva will now headline Noche UFC 4 against the Mexican fighter.
Speaking to Ag Fight, Silva explained why he believes inactivity could hurt his chances of getting a title shot. The Brazilian pointed to the recent history between Allen and Movsar Evloev as an example of how quickly the title picture can change.
"Let me tell you a crazy narrative here that I haven't told anyone," Silva began. "Why is it so important for me to stay active, regardless of who is in front of me, whether they're ranked or not? After my (last) fight, I've gone almost seven months without fighting. Arnold Allen has already fought once and already has a narrative with Evloev, that fight where it was like, 'Did Allen beat Evloev or not?' So, if Evloev beats the current champion, I don't fight, and Arnold Allen has another fight, he would probably move ahead of me and fight based on that narrative."
Silva's concern is that a victory over Delgado alone may not be enough to guarantee him the next title opportunity if other contenders continue to build momentum. The Brazilian believes that remaining active will be important as the featherweight division takes shape.
In Allen's case, for example, the British fighter has already returned to competition after losing to Silva. In May, Allen bounced back by winning a unanimous decision against Melquizael Costa.
Jean Silva Eyes Title Shot With Delgado Win
Silva will have the opportunity to strengthen his position in the division when he faces Delgado in the Noche UFC 4 main event. The Brazilian is coming off a victory over Allen and has won 17 professional fights in his career, with 15 of those victories coming by stoppage.
Delgado, meanwhile, enters the biggest fight of his career after victories over Andre Fili and Austin Bashi. The Mexican fighter accepted the matchup after Rodriguez withdrew and will make his first UFC main event appearance.
A victory would give Silva another important win at the top of the division as he looks to secure a shot at the featherweight title.
