UFC 319: Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa

At UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Karine Silva found herself facing a familiar rival when Dione Barbosa stepped in on short notice to replace JJ Aldrich at the United Center in Chicago. The change in opponent added intrigue, as Silva and Barbosa had previously met in Brazil years ago, with Barbosa claiming the victory. This time, Silva entered as the favorite, determined to prove how far her game had evolved since their first encounter.

From the opening exchanges, Silva pressed forward with her trademark aggression, closing distance and forcing Barbosa onto the back foot. Her grappling-heavy approach kept Barbosa wary, as Silva repeatedly sought to tie up the fight against the cage. Barbosa, however, showed flashes of danger, firing sharp counters and refusing to be overwhelmed despite the late-notice call-up. The energy inside the arena grew as the crowd sensed both fighters were digging deep in a high-stakes rematch.

The second round showcased Silva’s control, as she used effective clinch work and forward pressure to neutralize Barbosa’s striking. While Barbosa threatened with a few clean shots and even teased a submission attempt during a scramble, Silva’s composure shined through. Her ability to dictate pace and position began to separate the two competitors, though the exchanges remained competitive enough to keep the outcome uncertain.

By the third round, Silva continued to dictate the tempo, staying busy with strikes in close and avoiding extended exchanges at range where Barbosa could capitalize. Barbosa pushed the pace late in hopes of swaying the judges, but Silva’s consistency proved decisive. Both athletes showed resilience, yet it was Silva’s calculated pressure and sharper execution that stood out across three hard-fought rounds.

When the scorecards were read, all three judges awarded the fight to Karine Silva by unanimous decision, with identical tallies of 29–28. The win not only avenged her earlier loss to Barbosa but also reinforced her standing in the flyweight division. For Barbosa, the defeat didn’t diminish her stock—stepping up on short notice and going the distance with a surging contender highlighted her toughness and ensured she remains a name to watch moving forward.