UFC on ESPN 73: Bueno Silva vs. Cavalcanti takes place November 8, 2025, featuring a pivotal matchup between Brazil’s crafty submission ace Mayra Bueno Silva and Portugal’s surging technician Jacqueline Cavalcanti. With both fighters chasing a spot among the bantamweight elite, this bout blends veteran savvy with rising momentum.
Mayra Bueno Silva
Mayra “Sheetara” Bueno Silva (10–5–1, 1 NC) remains one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers—an instinctive finisher with a flair for submissions from anywhere. A former title challenger and Performance of the Night winner, she’s earned highlight-reel finishes with her ninja choke, armbars, and kneebars. Despite her recent struggles—three consecutive losses against Raquel Pennington, Macy Chiasson, and Jasmine Jasudavicius—Bueno Silva’s finishing instincts and creativity still make her a threat to anyone she faces.
Across her UFC tenure, she’s faced elite competition at both bantamweight and flyweight, claiming notable wins over Holly Holm (originally via ninja choke, later overturned), Lina Länsberg, and Stephanie Egger. Bueno Silva thrives in chaos—she’ll willingly pull guard, chase submissions from her back, and scramble for openings with trademark aggression.
Mayra Bueno Silva – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov, Feb 1, 2025 (Flyweight)
* Loss vs. Macy Chiasson – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) – UFC 303, Jun 29, 2024
* Loss vs. Raquel Pennington – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 297, Jan 20, 2024 (for vacant UFC Bantamweight Title)
* NC (originally win) vs. Holly Holm – Overturned (Ninja Choke) – UFC on ESPN 49, Jul 15, 2023
* Win vs. Lina Länsberg – Submission (Kneebar) – UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield, Feb 18, 2023
Bueno Silva’s path to victory lies in forcing grappling exchanges, using the clinch or guard pulls to bring the fight to the mat. Her leglocks, armbars, and transitional chokes can end the fight instantly if Cavalcanti gives her even a moment of control.
Jacqueline Cavalcanti
Jacqueline “Jax” Cavalcanti (9–1) has quietly built one of the most efficient runs in the division, riding a six-fight win streak and carving out a reputation for consistency. Portugal’s top female talent, Cavalcanti’s crisp boxing, composure, and tactical discipline have made her a tough out for anyone at 135.
She’s compiled impressive decision wins over Julia Avila, Josiane Nunes, Zarah Fairn, Nora Cornolle (twice), and former LFA champion Melissa Croden. Cavalcanti’s approach is methodical—steady pressure, precise combinations, and exceptional distance control. Though not known for her power, she compensates with pace, accuracy, and defensive awareness that frustrate opponents across three rounds.
Jacqueline Cavalcanti – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Julia Avila – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues, Feb 15, 2025
* Win vs. Nora Cornolle – Decision (Split) – UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis, Sep 28, 2024
* Win vs. Josiane Nunes – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN 62, Aug 24, 2024
* Win vs. Zarah Fairn – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Spivac, Sep 2, 2023
* Win vs. Melissa Croden – Decision (Unanimous) – LFA 157, Apr 21, 2023
Cavalcanti’s keys are to keep the fight standing, maintain range behind her jab, and pressure Bueno Silva backward to nullify her grappling setups. If she avoids prolonged ground exchanges, her precision striking and volume should be enough to dictate the scorecards.
Fight Breakdown
This fight boils down to a classic stylistic contrast—submission danger vs. striking control. Bueno Silva will hunt for any route to the mat, while Cavalcanti’s strategy revolves around clean boxing, lateral movement, and denying clinch positions. The first round is critical: if Bueno Silva gets top position or traps Cavalcanti’s neck in transition, the fight could end early.
However, if Cavalcanti survives those early threats and establishes her rhythm, she’s likely to outpoint Bueno Silva with volume and composure over the distance. Bueno Silva’s unpredictability keeps her live at any moment, but her defensive lapses and cardio fade could cost her against a disciplined striker like Cavalcanti.
Prediction
Expect a competitive, high-tension battle where moments of danger meet long stretches of tactical patience. Bueno Silva’s submission threat will always loom, but Cavalcanti’s crisp fundamentals, range management, and cardio should allow her to control the tempo and edge the scorecards.
Prediction: Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Mayra Bueno Silva via Decision (Unanimous)
A victory would cement Cavalcanti as a top-10 contender, while a Bueno Silva rebound win could reignite her run toward another title opportunity.