Melsik Baghdasaryan and Jean Silva meet Saturday on the UFC Fight Night 252 main card at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-2-1
UFC main cards, 2025: 10-10-1
Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Jean Silva UFC Seattle preview
Baghdasaryan (8-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) vs. Silva (14-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is a matchup of two Dana White’s Contender Series alums. … Baghdasaryan hasn’t been very active as a UFC fighter, with just four appearances since his Contender Series appearance in 2020. He’s most recently coming off a unanimous decision win over Tucker Lutz in July 2023. … Silva will have all the momentum of riding an 11-fight winning streak, which includes his first three UFC appearances. This past July, Silva defeated Drew Dover by doctor stoppage in a “Fight of the Night” performance.
Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Jean Silva UFC Seattle expert pick, prediction
Although this would’ve been far more fitting as the main card opener, Silva and Baghdasaryan should serve as a solid striking affair.
I’m kinda surprised the UFC isn’t trying to do more with Silva given his skills and recent success, but perhaps there’s a real risk vs. reward issue when it comes to accepting bout contracts against Fighting Nerds athletes at the moment.
As far as this fight goes, Silva has shown that he can handle himself in open-stance affairs (currently standing at 2-0 opposite UFC-level southpaws). However, unlike either of the southpaws Silva has previously faced, Baghdasaryan will be packing a left kick that the Brazilian will need to respect.
Although I believe that Baghdasaryan’s body kicks will likely serve him well in this fight, it’s hard to pick against the undeniable swagger of Silva and his ability to pull answers out of thin air. “Lord” may look like the second coming of Sam Sicilia at first glance, but he carries an Anderson Silva-like creativity with his counters and elbows alike.
Short breakdown of Jean Silva vs Drew Dober pic.twitter.com/6XA3iFwoZi
— Miguel Class (@MigClass) February 19, 2025
Between the big cage and Baghdasaryan’s style/staying power, I’m not sure if Silva gets the finish this time around.
The pick is Silva by unanimous decision.
Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Jean Silva UFC Seattle odds
The oddsmakers and the public are heavily favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing Silva (-550) and Baghdasaryan (+390) via FanDuel.
Melsik Baghdasaryan vs. Jean Silva UFC Seattle start time, how to watch
Baghdasaryan and Silva are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.
