Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, and others react as Natalia Silva inches closer to title shot with massive win over "elite gatekeeper" Jessica Andrade

Natalia Silva picked up the most important victory of her career in an all-Brazilian encounter in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 97. She made a strong statement and got the better of UFC veteran Jessica Andrade by unanimous decision.

Silva maintained her distance and prevented Andrade from penetrating her range, using her agility and octagon awareness to evade incoming attacks. The 27-year-old showcased her striking prowess, keeping the fight in the kickboxing range and countering with a variety of punches and kicks.

Andrade struggled to close the distance and neutralize Silva's combination strikes. Despite Andrade's aggressive pursuit, Silva's measured approach led to a clean sweep on the scorecards, with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27 in favor of the Team Borracha standout.

Silva has been on a tear with a solid six-fight win streak in the UFC. She has already rattled off two victories this year and the win over Andrade advances her bid for a title shot. Several fighters took to X to react to Silva's impressive win at UFC Vegas 97. Former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo wrote:

"The speed and quickness on these kicks are so impressive. Andrade can’t get the read on any of them... Amazing performance by Silva! That was a career-defining fight! #UFCVegas97"

Reigning UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad wrote:

"Silva is a beast."

Retired UFC legend Amanda Nunes wrote:

"Very good cage work and take down defense @nataliasilvaufc Great fight ladies."

MMA reporter Danny Segura wrote:

"Natalia Silva is a legit threat to the title. Jessica Andrade at this point has become an elite gatekeeper, and she aced that test. Crazy how good women's 125 has gotten in recent years. Easily the best female division today. #UFCVegas97"

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MMA community reacts to Natalia Silva's victory over Jessica Andrade. [Images from X]