Natália Silva defeats Alexa Grasso, extends winning streak at UFC 315

The UFC 315 main card featured a women's flyweight bout between former champion Alexa Grasso and No. 5 ranked Natália Silva.

It was Grasso's first octagon appearance since losing the title to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306 in September. Looking to rebound, the 31-year-old hoped to stay in title contention.  

Silva entered the bout riding an incredible 12-fight winning streak. She hadn't lost a fight since December 2017. A win over the top contender and former champion would likely secure Silva a title shot in her next outing.  

Silva landed leg kicks early while Grasso worked to establish her jab. Silva slipped after throwing a kick. Grasso quickly closed the distance and they briefly clinched. Seconds later they separated and Grasso doubled up on her jab. Silva counters with a left hook. Silva delivered a side kick to Grasso's face. Grasso remained in kicking range and had difficulty moving into boxing range. Grasso connected with her jab in the closing seconds. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Silva. 

Grasso pressured Silva to start the second and doubled up with her jab. They exchange leg kicks. Silva went high with a kick but Grasso blocked it. Silva circled on the outside and Grasso had difficulty finding her with punches. Grasso connected with a straight right hand. Grasso tried to close this distance but Silva hit her with a left hook. Silva beat Grasso to the punch in most exchanges. Grasso closed the distance and flurried. She got hit with counters but landed as well. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Silva. 

Grasso pressed forward to start the third. Silva delivered a front kick to the body to keep Grasso on the outside. Grasso moved into the pocket with a combination and tied Silva up. She worked to get the fight to the ground. She delivered a knee to the body. They separated and Grasso doubled up with her jab. Silva connected with a combination. Silva constantly changed directions making it difficult to be boxed in. Silva push Grasso away with a side kick to the chest. Silva connected with a kick that opened up a cut below Grasso's left eye. Grasso round a home with her right hand but Silva took the round.  

The judges scored the fight for Silva via unanimous decision. All three judges' scorecards read 30-27.