Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilian newcomer Felipe Silva as he takes on Canadian striker Shane Campbell at UFC on Fox 21 in Vancouver, Canada. Felipe Silva Hometown: Juiz de Fora, Brazil Age: 32 Height: 5’11” Reach: Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Pro Fight Team Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: Anton Kuivanen Key Losses: None Background A professional since 2013, the decorated kickboxer is a three time Brazilian Kickboxing Champion and a two time Brazilian muay thai champion. Six of his seven career MMA wins have come by stoppage; five of them by knockout. In addition to striking, he also holds a purple bet in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Strengths
- Strength is range kicking game
- Does well in the clinch delivering knee strikes
- Lands hard body shots when opponent’s back against the cage
- Aggressive guard
Weaknesses
- Punches are wild
- Accuracy a real issue for him especially when he ends up in a brawl as opposed to a range contest
- Takedowns come from clinch situations as opposed to being able shoot from the outside
- Aggressive nature offensively leaves himself vulnerable to takedowns
- Conditioning a question mark
Match-up against Shane Campbell This is a battle of two strikers in this undercard contest. Silva enters the UFC with solid kickboxing credentials amassing an excellent career record. He does a strong job working in strikes to the body both with punches and knees. Campbell fights very much the same way. He may not have the power that Silva has, but he fights at a high level pace for 15 minutes. In addition to that, Campbell has shown he can score takedowns and has some ability on the ground. Given the matchup, this is a tough fight to call. I see Silva having success early in this fight and has a real shot to put his opponent away. If he’s unable to do that, Campbell will have the better of the exchanges as the fight extends late. Campbell’s pace and work ethic give him the advantage in this bout, but it won’t be easy. UFC Ceiling Felipe Silva has a decent offensive skill set. I’m most impressed with his willingness to work to the body. The body shot continues to be the most underappreciated striking weapon in MMA. Silva is a fighter who will usually be in entertaining fights due to his aggressive nature and limited ground game. With that said, it also means he’s likely not to do well in the UFC. He’s skill set is simply to straight forward and at 32 years of age it’s likely too late for him to add the necessary pieces to have a successful career in the UFC. He may score a knockout win or two in the UFC, but beyond that don’t expect much. Fight Film Check out Felipe Silva in some of his most recent fights: Felipe Silva vs. Carlos Irigoitia Felipe Silva vs. Allan Moziel