Brazilian mixed martial artist (born 1990)
Bruno Gustavo Aparecido da Silva (born 16 March 1990) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 17 December 2024, he is #13 in the UFC flyweight rankings .[ 7]
Background
Silva was born and grew up in the neighborhoods of Piracicaba , Brazil, with one sister and one brother.[ 8] Playing various sports in his childhood, Silva dabbled into martial arts by training capoeira around the age of ten.[ 8] Eventually at the age of 19, he started training mixed martial arts.[ 8]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Starting his career in 2011, Silva racked up a 7–2–1 record in his native Brazil before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 in late 2014.[ 4] [ 9]
TUF Brazil 4
In the preliminary bout for the season, Silva faced Gustavo Sedório. Silva won the fight via first-round technical knockout due to a jaw injury Sedório suffered.[ 10]
In the quarterfinals Silva faced Dileno Lopes. Silva lost the bout via first-round submission and was eliminated from the tournament.[ 11]
Post-TUF career
After the season Silva moved to Arizona in 2015 in order to train at Fight Ready MMA. He competed mostly in United States, racking up 3–1–1 with his most memorable fights being winning the World Fighting Federation Flyweight title and also a draw against fellow future UFC fighter, Casey Kenney at LFA 11 .[ 9]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Silva was scheduled to face Khalid Taha on 7 September 2019, at UFC 242 .[ 12] However, on 21 August, it was reported that the bout was moved to UFC 243 .[ 13] He lost the fight via submission in round three.[ 14] On 23 December 2019, Taha received a one year USADA suspension for tested positive for furosemide (diuretics ) in an in-competition urine sample provided on 6 October 2019 where Taha took a medicine for reducing inflammation and swelling in his eyes which contained furosemide. The fight was overturned to a no contest.[ 15]
Silva was scheduled to face Su Mudaerji in a flyweight bout at UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira on 14 March 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China , Mudaerji was forced to withdraw from the event as he would not travel to prepare for the fight and was replaced by promotional newcomer David Dvořák .[ 16] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[ 17]
Silva was scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov on 12 September 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill .[ 18] However, due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic , the pairing was rescheduled and took place four weeks later at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen .[ 19] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[ 20]
As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Silva faced JP Buys on 20 March 2021, at UFC on ESPN 21 .[ 21] After knocking Buys down multiple times during the bout, da Silva won the bout via technical knockout in the second round.[ 22] [ 23] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[ 24]
Silva signed a new, four-fight deal with the organization.[ 25]
Silva, replacing Denys Bondar, faced Victor Rodriguez on 22 May 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt .[ 26] He won the fight via knockout a minute into the first round.[ 27] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[ 28]
Silva faced Tyson Nam on 11 March 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221 .[ 29] He won the fight via technical submission due to a rear-naked choke in round two.[ 30] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[ 31]
Silva was scheduled to face Cody Durden on 23 September 2023, at UFC Fight Night 228 . However, the bout was canceled because Durden filled in to face Jake Hadley at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font as a result of the withdrawal of Hadley's original opponent.[ 32] Durden and Silva faced each other on 20 July 2024, at UFC on ESPN 60 .[ 33] Silva won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.[ 34] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[ 35]
Silva faced former RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Manel Kape on 14 December 2024 at UFC on ESPN 63 .[ 36] Despite delivering three low-blows resulting in a point deduction for Silva, Silva ended up losing the fight by technical knockout via a body kick and punches in the third round.[ 37]
Silva is scheduled to face Joshua Van on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313 .[ 38]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
23 matches
14 wins
6 losses
By knockout
6
2
By submission
4
1
By decision
4
3
Draws
2
No contests
1
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Loss
14–6–2 (1)
Manel Kape
TKO (body kick and punches)
UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley
December 14, 2024
3
1:57
Tampa, Florida , United States
Silva was deducted one point in round 2 due to a groin strike.
Win
14–5–2 (1)
Cody Durden
TKO (punches)
UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba
20 July 2024
2
2:58
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Win
13–5–2 (1)
Tyson Nam
Technical Submission (rear-naked choke)
UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili
11 March 2023
2
1:23
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Win
12–5–2 (1)
Victor Rodriguez
KO (punches)
UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt
22 May 2021
1
1:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Win
11–5–2 (1)
JP Buys
TKO (punches)
UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland
20 March 2021
2
2:56
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Loss
10–5–2 (1)
Tagir Ulanbekov
Decision (unanimous)
UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen
11 October 2020
3
5:00
Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
Loss
10–4–2 (1)
David Dvořák
Decision (unanimous)
UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira
14 March 2020
3
5:00
Brasília , Brazil
Return to Flyweight.
NC
10–3–2 (1)
Khalid Taha
NC (overturned)
UFC 243
6 October 2019
3
3:00
Melbourne , Australia
Bantamweight bout; Taha missed weight (137 lb). Originally a submission (arm-triangle choke) win for Taha; overturned after he tested positive for furosemide .
Win
10–3–2
Ralph Acosta
Decision (unanimous)
World Fighting Federation 40
15 December 2018
3
5:00
Chandler, Arizona , United States
Won the WFF Flyweight Championship.
Win
9–3–2
Joe Madrid
TKO (punches)
World Fighting Federation 35
19 August 2017
1
4:23
Chandler, Arizona , United States
Bantamweight bout.
Draw
8–3–2
Casey Kenney
Draw (split)
LFA 11
5 May 2017
3
5:00
Phoenix, Arizona , United States
Loss
8–3–1
Adalto Prado
KO (head kick)
Aspera FC 44
10 September 2016
1
0:07
São Pedro , Brazil
Bantamweight bout.
Win
8–2–1
Matt Betzold
Decision (split)
World Fighting Federation 25
7 November 2015
3
5:00
Chandler, Arizona , United States
Win
7–2–1
Heider Prais
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Team Nogueira: MMA Fight Live
4 September 2014
3
3:23
Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
Win
6–2–1
Sóslenis Carvalho
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Talent MMA Circuit 8
12 April 2014
3
4:33
Valinhos , Brazil
Win
5–2–1
Júlio Cesar Moraes
KO (spinning wheel kick)
Team Nogueira: MMA Circuit 4
5 November 2013
3
0:00
Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
Win
4–2–1
Atila Oliveira
Decision (unanimous)
MMA Challenge: Ponte Preta
20 September 2012
3
5:00
Campinas , Brazil
Draw
3–2–1
Yury Valenzuela
Draw (majority)
Encontro Fight 2
27 July 2012
3
5:00
Santa Bárbara d'Oeste , Brazil
Loss
3–2
Wesley Batista
Decision (unanimous)
Corumbatai Fight
14 July 2012
3
5:00
Corumbataí , Brazil
Win
3–1
James Carvalho
TKO (doctor stoppage)
Arena Fight Uberlandia 4
10 December 2011
1
5:00
Uberlândia , Brazil
Loss
2–1
Rodrigo Marcos
Submission (armbar)
Hombres de Honor 29
24 September 2011
3
0:22
Sorocaba , Brazil
Win
2–0
Renato Higen Carriel
Decision (unanimous)
Circuito MMA Kyokushinkaikan 2
4 June 2011
3
5:00
Sorocaba , Brazil
Win
1–0
Paulo Magueta
Submission
Circuito MMA Kyokushinkaikan
6 February 2011
1
1:31
Sorocaba , Brazil
[ 9]
Mixed martial arts exhibition record
Professional record breakdown
2 matches
1 win
1 loss
By knockout
1
0
By submission
0
1
By decision
0
0
[ 9]
See also
References
^ "Bruno Silva ("Bulldog") | MMA Fighter Page" . Tapology . Retrieved 10 August 2024 .
^ "Stats | UFC" . ufcstats.com . Retrieved 4 October 2020 .
^ a b c Cruz, Guilherme (20 July 2024). "Bruno Silva explains why he left Henry Cejudo for ATT ahead of UFC Vegas 94" .
^ a b c Pavacich, McKenzie (21 May 2021). "Bruno Silva's Life Has Led Him To The Octagon" . Ultimate Fighting Championship .
^ "Bruno Silva" . Ultimate Fighting Championship . 8 April 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2021 .
^ "MMA: Bruno Bulldog está de volta ao Team Nogueira" . futebolinterior.com.br (in Brazilian Portuguese). 9 April 2015.
^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com" . www.ufc.com . Retrieved 17 December 2024 .
^ a b c Adamoli, Mauro (5 April 2021). "Lutador piracicabano é destaque na UFC e se prepara para novo torneio" (in Brazilian Portuguese).
^ a b c d "Bruno Silva" . Sherdog.com . Retrieved 7 August 2020 .
^ Galvan, Daniel (14 April 2015). "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 4 Episode 1 & 2 Recap" . themmareport.com .
^ Martin, Damon (14 September 2018). "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 4: Episode 5 Recap" . Ultimate Fighting Championship .
^ Cruz, Guilherme (21 May 2019). "Khalid Taha vs. Bruno Silva set for UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi" . MMA Fighting . Retrieved 5 October 2019 .
^ "ran FIGHTING" . ranfighting.de (in German). Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2019 .
^ Shillan, Keith (5 October 2019). "UFC 243 Results: Khalid Taha Beats Bruno Silva by third round submission" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 6 October 2019 .
^ Sherdog.com. "USADA Suspends Khalid Taha 1 Year for Failed Drug Test at UFC 243" . Sherdog . Retrieved 24 December 2019 .
^ Barone, Marcelo (8 February 2020). "Coronavirus epidemic complicates Su Mudaerji's training in Tibet and athlete leaves UFC card" . globoesporte.globo.com. Retrieved 8 February 2020 . (in Portuguese)
^ Bitter, Shawn (10 March 2020). "UFC Brasilia Results: David Dvorak Gets By Bruno Silva in Debut" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 10 October 2020 .
^ Boussenaf, Jamal (17 July 2020). "Tagir Ulanbekov maakt op 12 september tegen Bruno Silva zijn UFC debuut" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 11 July 2024 .
^ Petzel-Gligorea, Alexander (6 September 2020). "Who is fighting against whom? KW 36/2020" . gnp1.de. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2020 . (in German)
^ Bitter, Shawn (10 October 2020). "UFC Fight Island 5 Results: Tagir Ulanbekov Takes Competitive Debut Over Bruno Silva" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 10 October 2020 .
^ Dorff, Marcel (12 February 2021). "BREAKING: JP Buys maakt UFC debuut op 20 maart tegen Bruno Silva" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 11 July 2024 .
^ Anderson, Jay (20 March 2021). "UFC Vegas 22 Results: Bruno Silva Spoils JP Buys' Debut" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 21 March 2021 .
^ "UFC Vegas 22 video: Bruno Silva stops JP Buys, almost catches official with celebratory kick" . mmafighting.com. 20 March 2021.
^ a b Sherdog.com. "UFC on ESPN 21 Bonuses: Griffin, Yanez, Dawson, Silva Earn Performance Checks" . Sherdog . Retrieved 21 March 2021 .
^ Cruz, Guilherme (24 March 2021). "Bruno Silva signs four-fight deal following UFC Vegas 22 knockout over JP Buys" . mmafighting.com.
^ Dorff, Marcel (29 April 2021). "BREAKING: Bruno Silva pakt short notice partij tegen Victor Rodriguez tijdens UFC evenement op 22 mei" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 11 July 2024 .
^ Behunin, Alex (22 May 2021). "UFC Vegas 27 Results: Bruno Silva Knocks Out Victor Rodriguez In One Minute Flat" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 23 May 2021 .
^ a b Haynes, Stephie (22 May 2021). "UFC Vegas 27 post-fight bonuses: Esparza KO's Xiaonan for POTN honors" . Bloody Elbow . Retrieved 23 May 2021 .
^ Heck, Mike (16 November 2022). "Tyson Nam vs. Bruno Silva set for March 11 UFC event" . mmafighting.com. Retrieved 16 November 2022 .
^ Anderson, Jay (11 March 2023). "Front Kick Stuns Tyson Nam, Bruno Silva Finishes with Choke at UFC Las Vegas" . Cageside Press . Retrieved 13 March 2023 .
^ a b Erickson, Matt (11 March 2023). "UFC Fight Night 221 bonuses: Choke someone to sleep, get $50,000 extra" . mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 11 March 2023 .
^ Tiwari, Shivam (13 July 2023). "Tagir Ulanbekov Out, Cody Durden In vs Jake Hadley for UFC Nashville" . ITN WWE . Retrieved 13 July 2023 .
^ Sherdog.com. "Cody Durden vs. Bruno Silva Added to UFC Fight Night Card on July 20" . Sherdog . Retrieved 19 May 2024 .
^ Dewar, Val (20 July 2024). "Bruno Silva Uppercuts His Way To Incredible Comeback Over Durden" . cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 20 July 2024 .
^ a b Taylor, Chris (20 July 2024). "UFC Vegas 94 Bonus Report: Steve Garcia one of four fighters to take home $50k" . bjpenn.com. Retrieved 20 July 2024 .
^ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (25 September 2024). "UFC Tampa adds Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva flyweight bout" . mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 25 September 2024 .
^ Mathis Desjardins (15 December 2024). "Manel Kape TKO's Silva, F Bombs Everybody Including Adesanya" . cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 15 December 2024 .
^ Cruz, Guilherme (2 January 2025). "UFC 313 lands 3 new matchups for March event" . MMA Fighting . Retrieved 3 January 2025 .
^ "World Fighting Federation 40: Wild Horse Pass Casino Fights Results (Official)" . ssl.mixedmartialarts.com . Retrieved 10 October 2020 .
External links
Updated to 17 December 2024