Jean Silva vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Featherweights Jean Silva of Brazil and Melsik Baghdasaryan of Armenia clash on the main card of UFC Fight Night 252 this weekend in Seattle, Washington. The Armenian will have his hands full trying to stop the streaking Brazilian, who is unbeaten in the UFC. Both fighters are contender series alumni, with Baghdasaryan, a graduate of the 2020 class. Unfortunately, the Armenian has not been very active in the promotion, missing the entirety of 2024. A win here will do his standing in the promotion of a world of good. Jean Silva is a huge favorite to grab another UFC scalp in what promises to be a feisty encounter at UFC Seattle.

MMA: UFC Featherweight

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA

Date: 23.02.2025 05:30

The 28-year-old Brazilian has won eleven consecutive fights with ten finishes. He beat Kevin Vallejos unanimously in September 2023 at Contender Series 61 to earn his UFC contract. The fight marked Jean Silva's return to featherweight and was his only fight to go the distance in his last eleven bouts. "Lord" won three of his fights last year in an impressive debut year in the promotion. He ran through Westin Wilson and Charles Jourdain before overcoming a slight resistance from Drew Dober in a lightweight bout last July. Dober’s resistance ended with a doctor's stoppage with 1:28 to go in the third round. Jean Silva is a member of the Fighting Nerds Team and fights out of São Paulo. He has a background in Muay Thai, which accounts for his striking prowess. The Brazilian has 11 KOs from 14 wins.

• Age: 28
• Height: 5’7”
• Reach: 69”
• Weight: 145lbs (68kg)
• Record: 14-2

The 33-year-old American debuted in the UFC in 2021 but has fought only four times, with his appearances in the Octagon restricted by a combination of injuries and withdrawals. Melsik Baghdasaryan was a boxer and kickboxer before transitioning to MMA. The former Wu Lin Feng international champion also challenged for the K-1 welterweight title. 3-1 in the UFC, "The Gun's" solo loss in the Octagon came against Joshua Culibao, who submitted the Armenian in early 2023. Baghdasaryan bounced back to beat Tucker Lutz in July 2023 in his last appearance. Last year, several booked fights fell through, leaving "The Gun" with a no show for 2024.

• Age: 33
• Height: 5’8”
• Reach: 70”
• Weight: 145lbs (66kg)
• Record: 8-2

Melsik Baghdasaryan is a 5.00 underdog on Bet365, which has the favorite Jean Silva at 2.00 odds to win by KO/TKO. Total over 2.5 is 1.82 on 1xBet, which lists the under at 1.92 odds. On Betway, Baghdasaryan by decision is 8.20 while Silva by decision is 2.95 odds. Read more here.