Preview: UFC on ESPN 21 Prelims

Flyweights

NR | J.P. Buys (9-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Bruno Silva (10-5-2, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: Buys (-160), Silva (+140)

It is a pleasant surprise to see Silva back in the Octagon. The Brazilian has gone winless in his three UFC fights to date, but he has put up a game effort against some strong competition every time out. That is particularly true since he cut back down to flyweight in 2020, as he held his own most of the way against David Dvorak and Tagir Ulanbekov, two of the more interesting rising talents in the division. He will look to stop his slide here against Buys, a South African newcomer who earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in November. Buys has a clear approach focused on getting takedowns and hunting for submissions, but there are some questions about how he will fare against this level of competition. His lone real UFC-level test came in 2017 against Joby Sanchez, who essentially beat Buys at his own game. This should be a solid benchmark to see if Buys can succeed in the UFC going forward, but Silva has shown enough ability on the mat—particularly against a strong wrestler in Ulanbekov—that the UFC veteran is the much safer bet. This is basically a coinflip, but the pick is Silva via decision.