Joaquim Silva (fighter)

Joaquim Silva (born February 5, 1989) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Silva began training in various forms of martial arts as a youngster. He then starting training in Muay Thai, boxing and jiu-jitsu as a teenager before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2009.

Mixed martial arts career
Silva made his professional mixed martial arts debut in October 2010. He compiled an undefeated record of 7-0, competing for various regional promotions in Brazil before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in early 2014.

The Ultimate Fighter
In March 2015, it was announced that Silva was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4.

In his first fight on the show, Silva faced Carlos Costa. He won the fight via TKO in the third round.

In the quarterfinals, Silva faced off against Erick da Silva. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

In the semifinals, Silva faced Glaico França. He lost via submission in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Silva made his official debut for the promotion on September 5, 2015, at UFC 191 where he faced fellow castmate Nazareno Malegarie. He won the fight via split decision.

Luque next faced Andrew Holbrook on July 8, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. He won the fight by knockout in the first round.

Silva was expected to face promotional newcomer Gregor Gillespie on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95. However, Silva pulled out of the fight citing injury and was replaced by former opponent Glaico França.

Silva was expected to face Mairbek Taisumov on May 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 109. However, Taisumov pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Reza Madadi. Silva won the fight via split decision.

Silva faced Vinc Pichel on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Silva faced Jared Gordon on December 15, 2018, at UFC on Fox 31. He won the fight via technical knockout in round three. This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Silva faced Nasrat Haqparast on August 3, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 5. He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

Silva faced Ricky Glenn on June 19, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 25. He lost the bout via knockout just 37 seconds into the first round.

Silva faced Jesse Ronson, replacing injured Vinc Pichel, on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211. He won the bout in the second round, dropping Ronson with a flying knee and then finishing him with ground and pound. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Silva faced Arman Tsarukyan on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. He lost the bout via TKO in the third round.

Silva faced Clay Guida on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Silva faced Drakkar Klose on May 3, 2024, at UFC 301. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (One time) vs.Jared Gordon
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Jesse Ronson