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We’re back with another betting prediction and pick for UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal as we head to the Women’s Bantamweight (135) Division for this next tilt. No. 12-ranked Mayra Bueno Silva of Brazil will take on undefeated Michelle Montague of New Zealand. Check our UFC odds series for the Silva-Montague prediction and pick.
Mayra Bueno Silva (10-6-1) has gone 5-6-1-1 since her UFC debut in 2018. She’s currently on the longest losing skid of her career at four fights, losing back-to-back unanimous decisions and hoping to avoid falling out of the rankings. Silva stands 5-foot-6 with a 66.5-inch reach.
Michelle Montague (7-0) makes her second UFC appearance following a unanimous decision win over Luana Carolina during her debut. All six of her previous professional bouts were all finished by submission as she hopes to remain unbeaten and break through into the rankings. Montague stands 5-foot-9 with a 68.5-inch reach.
UFC Vegas 116 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Vegas 116 Odds: Mayra Bueno Silva-Michelle Montague Odds
Mayra Bueno Silva: +310
Michelle Montague: -395
Over 2.5 rounds: -215
Under 2.5 rounds: +165
Why Mayra Bueno Silva Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Jacqueline Cavalcanti– U DEC
- Last 5: 0-4-0-1
- Finishes: 1 KO/TKO, 7 SUB
Mayra Bueno Silva hasn’t been able to catch a break since her ‘No Contest’ ruling, overturning a win against Holly Holm following a positive drug test for PEDs. Since returning from a minor suspension, Silva has yet to notch her first win since 2023 amidst an increasingly competitive and constantly evolving Women’s Bantamweight Division. This should be an all-or-nothing fight for Silva as she avoids losing her ranking or worse, a roster spot.
Silva has always been an aggressive striker and when she’s confident in her combinations, she’s a handful to deal with especially for a younger prospect. She’s very active along the fence and at her most dangerous when backing opponents into it. Her jiu jitsu has always been the center component of her game, but she’s been underestimated on the feet and came out victorious in the past.
Still, it’s been tough for Mayra Bueno Silva to get back to her old form following the suspension and you have to wonder how much of her prime fighting years are already behind her. She’ll need to display patience and veteran savvy in order to fend off a hungry prospect like Montague, but avoiding a fifth-straight loss should be motivation enough for her to get back in the win column.
Why Michelle Montague Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Luana Carolina – U DEC
- Last 5: 5-0
- Finishes: 6 SUB
Michelle Montague impressed during her UFC debut and although she couldn’t notch a signature submission finish, she significantly outpaced her opponent on strikes 99-75 while landing five of seven takedowns rather easily. She’s managed to end each of her previous six professional fights by her go-to rear naked choke submission, so be on the lookout for her to chase the back as she tries to notch her first UFC finish.
Montague is very aggressive with her wrestling and does a great job securing takedowns with her decisive shots on the ground. She’s able to land in top position more often than not and from there, will quickly take the mount and begin landing strikes or elbows. Her main goal is to force her opponent to turn and give the back, to which she’s become almost automatic in securing the rear naked choke with her impressive squeeze.
Montague will still have to be wary of the power coming back her way from Silva as her opponent has been known to hurt people on the feet with her striking. If she can force Silva to whiff, however, it should open room for a takedown attempt to wear she can begin chasing the back where she’s most dangerous.
Final Mayra Bueno Silva-Michelle Montague Prediction & Pick
This fight seems like a passing of the torch in this division as the UFC are likely priming Michelle Montague as an undefeated prospect fighting for her spot in the rankings. Mayra Bueno Silva hasn’t been the same since 2023 and while she’s been able to offer decent resistance over her last two fights, there isn’t much indicating we should back her with any sort of confidence heading into this one.
Michelle Montague has yet to experience defeat and in this case, could be her biggest advantage heading into this fight. The confidence should allow her to advance her wrestling without a second thought, likely leading to numerous takedowns in the process.
I don’t see Silva gaining a massive advantage in the striking, so Montague should be able to do enough with her wrestling to gain an edge on the scorecards. Don’t be surprised if she’s able to end this one early with her first UFC submission.
Final Mayra Bueno Silva-Daniel Cormier Prediction & Pick: Michelle Montague (-395); UNDER 2.5 Rounds (+165)
We’re back with another betting prediction and pick for UFC Vegas 116: Sterling vs. Zalal as we head to the Women’s Bantamweight (135) Division for this next tilt. No. 12-ranked Mayra Bueno Silva of Brazil will take on undefeated Michelle Montague of New Zealand. Check our UFC odds series for the Silva-Montague prediction and pick.
