The main card of the UFC 309 pay-per-view showcase features an all-Brazilian clash in the women's flyweight division as seasoned veteran Viviane Araujo takes on rising contender Karine Silva.
Araujo has been a seasoned fixture in the 125-pound weight class and currently occupies the No.9 spot in the divisional rankings. A veteran of six years in the promotion, she’s tested her skills against elite competitors and earned a reputation as a durable and skilled fighter. Despite a 2-3 record in her last six outings, she remains a tough challenge for any flyweight aiming to ascend the ranks.
Silva, meanwhile, has emerged as a surging talent from Dana White’s Contender Series Class of 2021. She’s amassed an impressive 4-0 UFC record, including three finishes, and climbed to No. 11 in the rankings. She was last seen inside the octagon against Ariane Lipski and won the fight by unanimous decision.
The UFC 309 action kicks off with the preliminary card at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT, while the highly anticipated main card is scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.
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Round 1
Araujo starts the fight working from the outside while Silva controls the center of the octagon. Silva threw kicks, but Araujo countered effectively and landed a solid right hand. Araujo’s quick reflexes and light footwork have helped her evade Silva’s grappling attempts.
Silva pushes forward with a 1-2 combination, but Araujo answers back with a looping right. Silva struggles to connect, missing with several strikes. Araujo landed a clean body shot and continued to avoid Silva’s attacks. Towards the end of the round, Silva landed a left hand that visibly hurt Araujo. She followed up with another solid punch that staggered her opponent.
Our Score: 10-9 Araujo
Round 2
Araujo came out fast in the second frame with a quick combination. She lands a left hand that backs Silva against the cage. Araujo’s nose has started bleeding, possibly from an exchange in the first round. She fended off a grappling attack, but Silva kept walking her down, throwing heavy punches. Silva closes the distance and secures a body lock to take Araujo down.
Araujo displays excellent defense as Silva latches on to her with the body lock. Silva eventually lands a clean body lock takedown and transitions into side control. Araujo threatened her rival with an armbar, but Silva scrambled and escaped. Silva transitions to a D'Arce choke, but Araujo manages to break free, taking top position and landing punches.
Our Score: 10-9 Silva
Round 3
Silva goes back to the body lock in the final round in an attempt to take her opponent down. Araujo ends up on top but lets Silva up. Both fighters are visibly tired. Silva gets tripped to the canvas, and she chooses to just lie on her back, seemingly daring Araujo to jump into her guard. Both fighters have failed to generate significant offense in this round.
Our Score: 10-9 Araujo
Official Result
Viviane Araujo defeats Karine Silva via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)