"Bit of a step down after that Dober fight", "Banger!!" - Fans react to reports of Jean Silva vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan targeted for UFC Seattle

Jean Silva last entered the octagon in July as he moved up to lightweight and defeated Drew Dober via third-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 59. It marked his third win of 2024 - after making his promotional debut on the first card of the year - and his second win in just over two weeks.

The rising featherweight prospect is reportedly set to return to the octagon against Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Fight Night 252, which is set to take place in Seattle, Washington in February. Championship Rounds shared the news on Tuesday, posting:

"🚨 BREAKING! Jean Silva will fight Melsik Baghdasaryan on February 22nd at #UFCSeattle! [per. @AgFight] #UFC #MMA"

Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:

Fans shared their reaction to the featherweight bout. @brax_moore_more claimed that it is a step down in competition for Silva following his latest performance:

"Bit of a step down after that Dober fight."

@yaboynickdean believes that the fight will be a banger:

"Banger!! Melsik will have his hands full"

@ZTNBlancoV2 was hoping to see Silva face a ranked opponent next:

"I thought he’d be fighting someone ranked.. Dayum"

@ITSDAFANTA suggested that The Fighting Nerds are receiving Dana White privilege:

"Why are they giving the fighting nerds easy fights all the time? That Dana White privilege is something else"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Jean Silva previously called out Movsar Evloev

Jean Silva previously called out Movsar Evloev in an attempt to enter the octagon for the fourth time in 2024. The No. 5-ranked featherweight appeared set to face Aljamain Sterling at UFC 307 in October, however, his opponent was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury suffered in sparring.

The rising featherweight prospect attempted to step in and face Evloev on short notice. Silva accused the undefeated fighter of ducking the matchup, claiming he doesn't believe in himself, stating:

"It's very ugly to say that you fight with anyone when you don't even believe in yourself. You said that I am more dangerous than @funkmastermma, but you have not accepted to fight me yet. @movsar_evloev_94 doesn't fight just anyone, your talk is already boring. You want to fight with someone you know you can take down and win the fight that way. But I have bad news for you: you will have to step into that cage with me sooner or later. Enjoy it while you can, because it's coming to an end."

Check out a screenshot of Jean Silva's Instagram story below:

Evloev did not have a replacement opponent and will face Sterling at UFC 310 this weekend. If Silva continues to win impressively, the two could be in line to share the octagon in the future.