Silva Reversed the Result Against Barbosa
Karine Silva defeated Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision on August 16, 2025, at UFC 319 in Chicago. All three judges returned 29–28 scores in a flyweight rematch of their 2019 meeting, which Barbosa had won on the Brazilian regional circuit.
Barbosa threatened early from the back
The opening round included competitive striking before the fight reached the canvas late. Barbosa quickly took Silva’s back and pursued a rear-naked choke, then switched to an armbar as time ran out.
Silva defended the submission attacks and reached the break. Surviving that sequence was essential in a contest that would continue moving through repeated grappling reversals.
Neither fighter kept positional control for long
Silva obtained back control during the second, but Barbosa stood and reversed the position. Later exchanges again put Barbosa on top, illustrating how quickly the advantage could change.
The third featured another scramble after a guillotine attempt from Silva. Barbosa eventually reversed and landed from above, while Silva continued punching from underneath until the final horn.
The official verdict favored Silva’s overall work
The unanimous decision reversed the outcome of their earlier encounter, although some spectators disagreed with the result. Silva afterward said she believed her submission threats and attacking work had earned the win.
The bout was decided across three active rounds rather than by prolonged control from either fighter. Silva left with the official victory after defending dangerous early positions and continuing to attack through a rematch marked by submission attempts, reversals and competing interpretations of the exchanges.
Sources
- Cageside Press: 2019 meeting and round-by-round grappling
- Cageside Press: Silva’s post-fight assessment
- MMA Decisions: official decision and scores
