The main card of UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park, taking place on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features an explosive featherweight clash between American Danny Silva and Argentine Kevin Vallejos. Both fighters are unranked but riding impressive win streaks, making this bout a critical step toward cracking the UFC’s top 15 in the stacked 145-pound division.
Danny Silva
Danny Silva (10-1), known as "El Puma," is a 28-year-old featherweight with a well-rounded skill set, blending high-volume striking with effective grappling. Since earning his UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, Silva has gone 2-0 in the octagon, securing split-decision victories over Lucas Almeida and Joshua Culibao. His aggressive, boxing-heavy style sees him land 7.36 significant strikes per minute at 59% accuracy, though he absorbs a high 7.96 strikes per minute. Silva’s grappling adds versatility, averaging 2.33 takedowns per fight at 46% accuracy with a perfect 100% takedown defense in his UFC bouts. His durability is notable, having never been finished, though his willingness to engage in wild exchanges leaves him open to counters.
Danny Silva – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Joshua Culibao – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, March 15, 2025
2. Win vs. Lucas Almeida – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, August 10, 2024
3. Win vs. Jack Jenkins – Decision (Unanimous) – LFA 155, March 24, 2023
4. Win vs. Jeremiah Wells – TKO (Punches) – LFA 148, December 9, 2022
5. Loss vs. Eduardo Ramos – Decision (Unanimous) – LFA 135, July 8, 2022
Silva, standing at 5’11” with a 70-inch reach, aims to leverage his length and relentless pace to outwork Vallejos and extend his UFC win streak to three.
Kevin Vallejos
Kevin Vallejos (15-1), dubbed "El Chino," is a 23-year-old Argentine phenom with a reputation for devastating knockout power. After a competitive decision loss to Jean Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, Vallejos earned his UFC contract with a first-round TKO over Cam Teague in 2024 and followed it with another first-round TKO against Seung Woo Choi at UFC Fight Night 254 in March 2025. With 11 of his 15 wins by knockout, Vallejos lands 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 51% accuracy and absorbs 5.70 strikes with 57% striking defense. His 66% takedown defense is solid, but he has yet to attempt a takedown in the UFC, relying heavily on his sharp boxing and cage-cutting pressure.
Kevin Vallejos – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Seung Woo Choi – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, March 15, 2025
2. Win vs. Cam Teague – TKO (Punches) – DWCS, September 24, 2024
3. Win vs. Emiliano Linares – KO/TKO (Overhand Right) – Samurai Fight House 15, March 2, 2024
4. Win vs. Martin Toro – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Samurai Fight House 14, December 23, 2023
5. Win vs. Luciano Garagorri – KO/TKO (Punches) – Samurai Fight House 11, May 13, 2023
Vallejos, at 5’7” with a 68-inch reach, looks to capitalize on his explosive striking to secure another highlight-reel finish.
Fight Breakdown
This featherweight bout pits Silva’s well-rounded aggression against Vallejos’ precision and knockout power. Silva’s high-volume striking (7.36 significant strikes per minute) and takedown threat (2.33 per fight) allow him to dictate the fight’s pace, using his 70-inch reach and 3-inch height advantage to keep Vallejos at bay. His ability to mix in wrestling could disrupt Vallejos’ rhythm, especially given Vallejos’ untested ground game in the UFC. However, Silva’s tendency to absorb strikes (7.96 per minute) makes him vulnerable to Vallejos’ 11 career knockouts.
Vallejos, favored at -430, relies on his crisp boxing, excellent head movement, and 51% striking accuracy to pressure opponents into the fence, where he unleashes punishing combinations. His 57% striking defense and 66% takedown defense suggest he can keep the fight standing, where he’s most dangerous. Yet, his relative inexperience against UFC-level competition and lack of grappling offense could be exploited by Silva’s versatility. Vallejos’ first-round finishing rate (11 of 15 wins) contrasts with Silva’s durability, as all three of Silva’s UFC fights have gone the distance.
Both fighters bring relentless pressure, but Silva’s experience against tougher UFC opponents like Culibao and Almeida gives him an edge in gritty, extended fights. Vallejos’ youth and momentum make him a dangerous wildcard, particularly in the opening round, where his power could end the fight early. The over/under at 2.5 rounds (-110 over, -120 under) reflects the potential for a finish, though Silva’s chin and pace could push it to the scorecards.
Prediction
This featherweight clash is a battle of Silva’s relentless, well-rounded game against Vallejos’ explosive striking and finishing instincts. Vallejos’ power and cage-cutting ability give him a strong chance for a first-round knockout, especially if he catches Silva in early exchanges, as Silva’s high strike absorption (7.96 per minute) leaves openings. However, Silva’s length, takedown threat, and durability could frustrate Vallejos if the fight extends beyond the first round. Silva’s ability to mix striking and wrestling, as seen in his wins over Almeida and Culibao, should allow him to weather Vallejos’ early storm and take control in later rounds.
Expect Vallejos to push for an early TKO with his crisp combinations, but Silva’s chin and grappling should keep him in the fight. By the second round, Silva’s pace and takedowns will likely slow Vallejos, setting up a grinding decision win. The +124 odds for the fight going the distance support this outcome, given Silva’s track record of durable, decision-based victories.
Prediction:
Danny Silva def. Kevin Vallejos via Decision (Unanimous) – Round 3
A hard-fought win for Silva could position him for a step up in competition, while Vallejos’ stock remains high despite the loss due to his exciting style and youth.