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UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili versus Sean O'Malley 2 continues on the prelims with a fight between Bruno Silva and Joshua Van in the flyweight division. Check out our UFC odds series for our Silva-Van prediction and pick.
Bruno Silva (14-6-2) looks to rebound at UFC 316 after his four-fight win streak was snapped by Manel Kape, who finished him with a body kick and punches last December. Before that, Silva earned a “Performance of the Night” TKO victory over Cody Durden, showcasing his trademark aggression and finishing ability.
Joshua Van (13-2) rides a four-fight win streak into UFC 316, most recently dominating Rei Tsuruya with sharp boxing and excellent takedown defense for a unanimous decision at UFC 313. Before that, Van outpointed Cody Durden in another decision win, showcasing his relentless pace and improving all-around game.
Here are the UFC 316 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC 316 odds: Bruno Silva-Joshua Van odds
Bruno Silva: +470
Joshua Van: -650
Over 2.5 rounds: -154
Under 2.5 rounds: +120
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Why Bruno Silva will win
- Last Fight: (L) Manel Kape – KO/TKO R3
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 10 (6 KO/TKO/4 SUB)
Thanks to his blend of knockout power, veteran savvy, and dangerous submission skills, Bruno Silva has the tools to pull off an upset against Joshua Van at UFC 316. Silva, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has shown he can finish fights both on the feet and the ground with a history of highlight-reel knockouts and slick submissions.
Despite his recent loss to Manel Kape, Silva’s four-fight win streak prior to that, including a “Performance of the Night” TKO over Cody Durden, demonstrates his ability to rebound and deliver under pressure. Van is a surging prospect, but Silva’s experience against elite opponents gives him a critical edge.
Silva’s striking accuracy (49%) and ability to land nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes could disrupt Van’s rhythm and force the younger fighter into uncomfortable positions.
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If Silva can mix his striking with timely takedowns and threaten with submissions, he can neutralize Van’s volume and pace. Expect Silva to use his veteran craft to weather Van’s early aggression, capitalize on any mistakes, and either secure a late finish or edge out a hard-fought decision, reminding the division why he remains a threat in the flyweight ranks.
Why Joshua Van will win
- Last Fight: (W) Rei Tsuruya – DEC
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 8 (6 KO/TKO/2 SUB)
Joshua Van is set to continue his rapid ascent in the UFC flyweight division with a win over Bruno Silva at UFC 316. Van, currently ranked No. 14, has built an impressive 13-2 record, boasting six knockouts, two submissions, and five decision victories.
His recent performances have showcased not only his finishing ability but also his evolving fight IQ and defensive skills.
In his last three outings, Van outpointed tough opponents like Cody Durden and Rei Tsuruya, demonstrating stellar takedown defense, relentless pace, and sharp, accurate striking. He leads the division with a striking accuracy of 54.6% and the highest significant strikes landed per minute in UFC history (8.10).
While Silva brings experience and finishing ability, Van’s youth, speed, and technical prowess give him the edge. Van’s ability to stuff takedowns and punish opponents on the feet was evident against Tsuruya, where he dominated striking exchanges and defended persistent wrestling attempts.
With superior takedown defense (80%) and a striking differential of +2.86, Van is well-equipped to control the action and avoid Silva’s submission threats. Expect Van to dictate the pace, outland Silva in striking exchanges, and either secure a late stoppage or cruise to a clear decision victory, cementing his status as a future contender in the flyweight division.
Final Bruno Silva-Joshua Van prediction & pick
Joshua Van vs. Bruno Silva at UFC 316 is a classic crossroads matchup between a surging prospect and a battle-tested veteran. Van enters on a four-fight win streak, most recently dominating Rei Tsuruya and Cody Durden with his relentless pace, crisp boxing, and elite takedown defense.
He’s shown the ability to maintain a high striking output, landing more than eight significant strikes per minute, while effectively shutting down opponents’ grappling attempts, making him one of the division’s most promising young talents.
Silva, meanwhile, looks to rebound after a tough loss to Manel Kape, which snapped his own four-fight win streak. Known for his knockout power and submission threat, Silva’s experience and finishing instincts can’t be overlooked.
However, Van’s speed, volume, and defensive improvements seem well-suited to neutralize Silva’s strengths. If Van can avoid Silva’s early power shots and keep the fight standing, his superior output and movement should allow him to control the action.
Expect Van to set a blistering pace from the opening bell, using his footwork to stay out of danger and piling up strikes. Silva will have moments, but Van’s youth and activity should earn him a clear decision victory, further establishing his contender credentials at flyweight.
Final Bruno Silva-Joshua Van prediction & pick: Joshua Van (-650), over 2.5 rounds (-154)
