UFC on ESPN+ 28 is going down this Saturday in Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil in the Ginásio Nilson Nelson venue. The UFC Brasilia card is headlined between two top lightweights in Kevin Lee and Charles Oliveira. There is only one debut of the card and that’s because of a bout change and injury. In that, newcomer David Dvorak will fight Bruno Silva in the early portion of the card.
David Dvorak (D) (17-3) vs. Bruno Silva (10-4-2)
Narrative: Bruno Silva was going to fight Su Mudaerji, but Su pulled out. Now Silva will welcome newcomer David Dvořák to the UFC. Silva is making his second UFC appearance after coming up short in his debut to Khalid Taha last October. Dvorak, a former professional chess player who is coming in on a 13-fight win streak, is looking to make his name known in the flyweight division.
Shawn Bitter: Silva is most likely not going to strike with Dvorak, being a primary grappler and Dvorak being so dangerous on the feet. The TUF Brazil alum is a decent fighter but it’s up in the air whether he’s UFC caliber. On the feet, no doubt Dvorak has the advantage. He’s much more technical than Silva and has much more power. Silva struggled on the feet against Khalid Taha in his debut getting wobbled a few times. Silva may have the advantage on the mat but it’s likely Dvorak can at least hold his own or maybe even have a slight edge. I like Dvorak in this fight due to the fact I think he’s more dangerous everywhere.
Max Freedman: It’s great to see the UFC bolstering their flyweight division again and Dvorak was one of the best out there. He’s on a 13-fight win-streak, all finishes! Dvorak goes into hostile territory and gets it done against Bulldog Silva with a second-round TKO.
Anthony Walker: I’ll take Dvorak. I see more clear paths to victory for him. But honestly, I’m underwhelmed with the competition both of them have faced. This seems like a fight to determine who is ready for the next level.
Marcel Dorff: David Dvorak is a very accomplished fighter out of Czech Republic. I’ve been very impressed with what I saw so far from him outside the UFC. Despite the short notice call, I think this is a favorable match-up for him. I haven’t been impressed by Bruno Silva so far. Maybe he will impress me in this fight. But I honestly feel he is in the UFC because Henry Cejudo is his boy. Not going to say he is not “UFC level” but I just haven’t been impressed. I think Dvorak finishes him ITD. (T)KO in the first or second round.
Ryan Fortune: I have Dvorak in this fight. I believe he is the better striker and has competent enough BJJ to survive on the ground. A proven finisher with 15 finishes in 17 wins, I think Dvorak gets it done inside the distance over the TUF Brazil veteran
Kristen King: Expect David Dvorak to pick up his first UFC win on Saturday night against Bruno Silva. If you have not seen Dvorak compete before, then all you need to know is that he hits incredibly hard, sets up his combinations beautifully and does good work on the ground. Against someone like Silva, all of these things combined could be a real problem. I think no matter where the fight goes, Dvorak will best Silva and I also think this might be a short night for the debutant. I predict a first-round technical knockout for Dvorak.
Daniel Vreeland: Silva
Keith Shillan: Dvorak
Standings (Year to Date)
Daniel Vreeland 12-6
Anthony Walker: 11-7
Kristen King: 10-8
Ryan Fortune: 9-9
Shawn Bitter: 9-9
Max Freedman: 9-9
Marcel Dorff: 8-10
Keith Shillan: 6-12
