Karine Silva’s Submission Threats Earned Revenge
Karine Silva defeated Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. All three judges returned 29–28 cards for Silva after a competitive flyweight rematch at Chicago’s United Center that featured reversals and submission threats from both fighters.
Barbosa threatened from the back early
Barbosa held the center and attacked the body with kicks before Silva began finding her punches later in the opening round. The contest moved to the canvas during the final minute.
Barbosa quickly took the back, established both hooks and pursued a rear-naked choke. Silva defended, then survived Barbosa’s switch toward an armbar as time expired.
Control changed hands during the second
Silva established top control earlier in the next round and briefly worked around Barbosa’s back. Barbosa rose and reversed, landing a knee during the clinch exchange.
Later, Barbosa completed another takedown and delivered ground strikes. Neither woman converted the shifting positions into a finish, leaving a closely contested round for the judges.
Late attacks helped Silva take the verdict
Silva pursued a guillotine during the third and continued threatening submissions through the scrambles. Barbosa eventually reversed and finished on top, while Silva remained active underneath.
The unanimous decision evened their series after Barbosa’s victory on the Brazilian regional circuit in 2019. Although sections of the crowd disagreed, the official outcome favored Silva after fifteen minutes of closely matched striking and grappling exchanges.
Sources
- UFC: August 16 Chicago venue and official bout results
- Cageside Press: 2019 first meeting, back attacks, reversals and Chicago verdict
- UFC: final-round submission threats and unanimous result
