The UFC returns to San Antonio, Texas, for Noche UFC 3 on Saturday, September 13, with a thrilling featherweight showdown as the main event.
Our Noche UFC predictions for Diego Lopes vs Jean Silva will breakdown an electric main card that captures the essence of Mexican Independence Day weekend, including Noche UFC picks for PrizePicks.
This fight card features rising contenders and established veterans vying to make their mark at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, with the main card starting at 6 p.m. ET. The event continues the UFC's tradition of celebrating Mexican heritage during this patriotic weekend.
We'll break down our Noche UFC predictions and expert picks for every fight on the main card on Saturday night, including our Diego Lopes vs Jean Silva prediction, PrizePicks UFC picks, and start times for Saturday's event in San Antonio.
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Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva Preview
The Noche UFC card showcases elite featherweight talent, as well as compelling matchups across multiple divisions.
At the top of the card is the featherweight clash between Diego Lopes and Jean Silva. Fight fans have been clamoring for this fight, as both Brazilian finishers look to establish themselves as legitimate title contenders — Lopes currently ranked No. 2 and Silva ranked No. 10 in the division.
The main card also features compelling bantamweight action with Rob Font vs. David Martinez in the co-main event, while the lightweight division sees Rafa Garcia vs. Jared Gordon.
If you like to watch some of the best UFC fighters in primetime, then you're going to love the start time for the Noche UFC main card.
Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva main card is set to start at 6 p.m. ET, with the Lopes vs. Silva main event expected to start around 8:30 p.m. ET.
We’ll preview each fight on the main card for Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva, including our PrizePicks picks
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Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva Prediction, Preview
Who would’ve thought that Diego Lopes (26-7) would step into the Noche UFC spotlight in 2025, fresh off a grueling five-round loss to Alexander Volkanovski?
The electrifying Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist and No. 2-ranked featherweight gets a prime opportunity to reassert his title contender status on Saturday night.
Unfortunately for Lopes, standing in his way is fellow Brazilian finisher Jean “Lord” Silva (16-2), who’s been on a tear since joining the UFC. Silva, younger and shorter than Lopes at 5'7", has racked up 10 knockout wins in his 16 professional victories and is coming off a submission win over Bryce Mitchell.
Lopes enters with the height (5-foot-11) and reach (72 inches) advantage, along with the more dangerous submission game, with 1.9 submission attempts per three rounds.
Lopes lands 3.7 significant strikes per minute at a 47% accuracy clip, but absorbs 4.76 strikes per minute — showing both his aggression and his defensive vulnerabilities.
Silva, meanwhile, is the more efficient striker, with 4.87 landed per minute, 52% accuracy, and 56% defense. His high stoppage rate on both the feet and mat makes him dangerous everywhere.
The question is whether Lopes’ size and grappling advantage can neutralize Silva’s speed and power, or if "Lord" can make another statement and leap into featherweight title contention with a defining performance at Noche UFC.
Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva Prediction: 116.5 Significant Strikes
- As the Noche UFC main event, this fight is set for five rounds.
- Jean Silva’s average fight time is 8:22.
- Diego Lopes’ average fight time is 10:36.
- Silva lands 4.87 significant strikes per minute.
- Lopes lands 3.70 significant strikes per minute.
- Jean Silva is 5-0 in the UFC, while Diego Lopes is 5-2 in the UFC.
- Jean Silva’s two losses have come via decision.
- Diego Lopes fought 25 minutes with Alexander Volkanovski in his most recent fight.
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Rob Font vs. David Martinez Prediction & Preview
Rob Font (22-8) finds himself in a familiar position as a veteran gatekeeper, looking to extend his current two-fight winning streak against rising prospects — with David Martinez up next.
The No. 9-ranked bantamweight has experienced the highs and lows of title contention, but remains one of the division's most technical boxers at 38 years old.
Standing across from him is the dangerous finisher David Martinez (12-1), who stepped in on short notice to replace Raul Rosas Jr.
David "Black Spartan" Martinez has been nearly unstoppable since joining the UFC roster, earning a spectacular first-round TKO victory over Saimon Oliveira in his promotional debut earlier this year.
Martinez brings an incredible finishing rate to this co-main event clash, boasting 10 knockouts across his 12 professional wins and riding an eight-fight winning streak.
The 26-year-old Mexican has shown elite defensive skills early in his UFC career, maintaining a perfect 100% takedown defense while landing over five significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy.
Font's experience advantage cannot be overlooked, as he's faced elite competition throughout his 11-year UFC tenure, including former champions and top contenders. His technical boxing and ability to maintain output over three rounds has consistently troubled younger prospects like Adrian Yanez and Kyler Phillips.
However, Martinez's youth, athleticism, and explosive finishing ability present a dangerous stylistic challenge for the aging veteran.
The co-main event represents a classic striker-versus-finisher matchup, where Font's veteran savvy and technical precision will be tested against Martinez's raw power and momentum.
Rob Font vs. David Martinez Prediction: Rob Font – 64.5 Significant Strikes
- Rob Font lands 5.49 and throws 11.93 significant strikes per minute.
- Rob Font’s average fight time is 13:03.
- Rob Font has landed 156 significant strikes in his last two fights.
- Rob Font has landed at least 65 significant strikes in 7 of his 19 fights.
Jared Gordon vs. Rafa Garcia Prediction & Preview
Jared Gordon (21-7) enters this lightweight clash looking to build on his impressive first-round knockout victory over Thiago Moises in May.
The 36-year-old veteran has been one of the most underrated fighters in the division, suffering questionable decision losses to Nasrat Haqparast and Paddy Pimblett that have kept him from breaking into the rankings.
Standing across from him is Mexican-American finisher Rafa Garcia (17-4), who's riding momentum from his unanimous decision victory over Vinc Pichel in March.
"Gifted" has bounced back nicely from his TKO loss to Grant Dawson and is looking to make a statement on Mexican Independence Day weekend in front of what should be a supportive crowd.
Garcia brings a diverse finishing arsenal to this matchup, boasting nine submission victories, including three rear-naked chokes and four arm bars. The former Combate Americas lightweight champion has shown improved boxing lately, but remains primarily a grappler who averages over three takedowns per 15 minutes.
Gordon's path to victory lies in his superior striking volume and experience advantage, as he lands 5.67 significant strikes per minute at 55% accuracy while maintaining excellent defensive fundamentals.
The Queens native has evolved into a well-rounded veteran who can match Garcia's wrestling while dominating in the striking exchanges, particularly if he can avoid extended grappling sequences.
Jared Gordon vs. Rafa Garcia Prediction: Rafa Garcia – 1.5 Takedowns Landed
- Rafa Garcia averages 3.21 takedowns landed and 7.47 takedowns attempted per 15 minutes.
- Rafa Garcia has a 43% takedown accuracy.
- Rafa Garcia has landed 28 takedowns in his 9-fight UFC career.
- Jared Gordon has a 62% takedown defense.
- Jared Gordon has been taken down 15 times in his UFC career in 16 fights.
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Kelvin Gastelum vs. Dustin Stolzfus Prediction & Preview
Kelvin Gastelum (20-10) finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his UFC career, coming off a unanimous decision loss to Joe Pyfer at UFC 316.
The 33-year-old Mexican-American veteran has gone 2-2 over his last four fights and acknowledges that another loss could mean his release from the promotion, making this bout essentially a must-win scenario.
To that end, Gastelum missed weight by five pounds for this fight — though the fight will still go on, with Gastelum giving up 30% of his purse to Stolzfus. The lack of care for the weigh-in may be a signal that his time in UFC may be coming to an end.
Standing across from him is Dustin Stoltzfus (16-7), who has struggled to find consistency during his UFC tenure with a 3-6 record since joining the roster in 2020.
The Pennsylvania native is coming off a decision loss to Nursulton Ruziboev and has alternated wins and losses over his last seven fights, going 3-4 during that stretch.
Stoltzfus brings a well-rounded skill set to this matchup, with six submission victories and three knockouts among his 16 professional wins. The Amish-raised fighter has shown improved boxing in recent fights, but remains most dangerous when he can implement his wrestling and ground game.
Gastelum's path to victory lies in his superior boxing fundamentals and legendary chin, as he's consistently shown the ability to absorb punishment while landing clean combinations in pocket exchanges.
The former title challenger possesses significantly more high-level experience than Stoltzfus, having faced elite competition like Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Jack Hermansson throughout his 11-year UFC career.
Both fighters understand the stakes, with Gastelum openly stating that "both of us are in a similar position where one of us might have to go home, the loser." This desperation could lead to an exciting brawl between two veterans fighting for their UFC lives.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Dustin Stolzfus Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum – 49.5 Significant Strikes
- Kelvin Gastelum’s average fight time is 13:40.
- Kelvin Gastelum lands 3.67 and throws 8.23 significant strikes per minute.
- Kelvin Gastelum has landed at least 50 significant strikes in 12 of his 24 UFC fights.
- Dustin Stolzfus has just a 47% striking defense.
Alexander Hernandez vs Diego Ferreira Prediction & Preview
Alexander Hernandez (17-8) finds himself in a familiar position as the hometown favorite, returning to San Antonio for the first time since his controversial decision victory over Francisco Trinaldo in 2019.
"The Great Ape" is riding a three-fight winning streak, highlighted by his devastating first-round knockout of Chase Hooper at UFC 319 in August, where he landed a walk-off counter right hook in the final seconds of the opening frame.
Standing across from him is Brazilian veteran Diego Ferreira (19-6), who's looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Grant Dawson at UFC 311 in January.
The former Legacy FC lightweight champion has experienced both the highs and lows of title contention, once holding the No. 8 ranking in the division before suffering back-to-back losses that derailed his championship aspirations.
Ferreira brings a dangerous finishing arsenal to this matchup, boasting 12 career finishes, including 7 submissions and 5 knockouts. The Brazilian's relentless pressure and world-class grappling have served him well throughout his 11-year UFC career, earning him seven performance bonuses and establishing him as one of the division's most durable veterans.
Hernandez's path to victory lies in his explosive early pace and hometown crowd energy, as he's historically most dangerous in the opening round with four first-round finishes among his nine career victories.
The San Antonio native's athleticism and high-volume boxing could trouble Ferreira early, especially if he can avoid the extended clinch work and scramble scenarios that favor the Brazilian's grappling expertise.
Alexander Hernandez vs. Diego Ferreira Prediction: Diego Ferreira – 42.5 Significant Strikes
- Diego Ferreira’s average fight time is 9:46.
- Diego Ferreira lands 4.82 and throws 12.05 significant strikes per minute.
- Diego Ferreira has landed at least 41 significant strikes in 7 of his 16 UFC fights.
- Alexander Hernandez’s average fight time is 10:10.
- Alexander Hernandez absorbs 4.60 significant strikes per minute.
- Alexander Hernandez has absorbed at least 41 significant strikes in 6 out of his last 7 fights.
Santiago Luna vs. Quang Le Prediction & Preview
Santiago Luna (6-0) makes his highly anticipated UFC debut at just 21 years old, representing Mexico on one of the promotion's biggest cultural celebrations of the year.
"Borderboy" has been perfect through six professional fights, finishing all six opponents with an impressive mix of two knockouts and four submissions, most recently earning a TKO victory over Desmond Manabat at Tuff-N-Uff 144.
Standing across from him is Vietnamese-American veteran Quang Le (9-2), who's looking to spoil the debut party after bouncing back from consecutive losses with a submission victory over Gaston Bolanos in May.
"Bang" has gone 1-2 in the UFC but showed his resilience by earning a Performance of the Night bonus with his second-round rear-naked choke finish against Bolanos.
Le brings significant experience advantages to this bantamweight clash, having faced stiffer competition throughout his journey, including UFC veterans Chris Gutierrez and Long Xiao. T
he Minnesota-based fighter possesses excellent takedown defense at 100% in his UFC career and has shown improved composure in his most recent outing.
Luna's path to victory lies in his explosive finishing ability and the energy of a supportive crowd celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend.
The young prospect has never been to a decision and brings dangerous submission skills with four rear-naked choke victories, though he'll face his first true test against UFC-level competition.
This represents a classic veteran-vs-prospect matchup, where Le's experience and mental toughness will be tested against Luna's raw talent and finishing instincts in front of what should be a pro-Mexican crowd in San Antonio.
Santiago Luna vs. Quang Le Prediction: Quang Le – 30 .5 Significant Strikes
- Quang Le’s average fight time is 11:07
- Quang Le lands 2.70 and throws 7.29 significant strikes per minute
- Quang Le landed 36 significant strikes just one time in his three UFC fights
Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva Start Times & Projections
Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva main card will start at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 13, while the Lopes vs. Silva main event is expected to start around 8:30 p.m. ET — based on the outcomes of the fights prior.
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Here’s the Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva main card main card schedule and fighter projections for every main card fight today.
Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva – Main Event
- Featheweight
- Expected start time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Diego Lopes Projections: 54.5 Significant Strikes
- Jean Silva Projections: 61.5 Significant Strikes, 0.5 Takedowns (Demon)
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 116.5
- Rounds Projection: 2.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Rob Font vs. David Martinez – Co-Main Event
- Bantamweight
- Expected start time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Rob Font Projections: 64.5 Significant Strikes, 0.5 Takedowns (Demon)
- David Martinez Projections: 59.5 Significant Strikes
- Rounds Projection: 2.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Jared Gordon vs. Rafa Garcia
- Lightweight
- Expected start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Jared Gordon Projections: 61.5 Significant Strikes,
- Rafa Garcia Projections: 54.5 Significant Strikes, 1.5 Takedowns
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 115.5
- Rounds Projection: 2.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Dustin Stolzfus
- Middleweight
- Expected start time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Kelvin Gastelum Projections: 49.5 Significant Strikes
- Dustin Stolzfus Projections: 45.5 Significant Strikes
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 95.5
- Rounds Projection: 1.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Alexander Hernandez vs Diego Ferreira
- Lightweight
- Expected start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Alexander Hernandez Projections: 56.5 Significant Strikes
- Diego Ferreira Projections: 40.5 Significant Strikes
- Rounds Projections: 2.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Santiago Luna vs. Quang Le
- Bantamweight
- Expected start time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Santiago Luna Projections: 36.5 Significant Strikes
- Quang Le Projections: 35.5 Significant Strikes
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 72.5 Significant Strikes
- Rounds Projections: 1.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Make Noche UFC Predictions on PrizePicks
Noche UFC: Lopes vs. Silva is set to deliver an action-packed Saturday night, highlighting fast-rising prospects and established veterans determined to prove themselves on a massive stage.
The main card gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, broadcasting live from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
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