UFC 324’s featherweight showcase features veteran Arnold Allen taking on explosive finisher Jean Silva in a pivotal bout. Allen looks to build momentum after his decision win over Giga Chikadze, while Silva seeks redemption from his first UFC loss against Diego Lopes. This 3-round main card fight could determine who moves closer to title contention in the stacked 145-pound division.
Allen brings a 20-3 record with victories over Giga Chikadze, Dan Hooker and Calvin Kattar. Silva enters with a 16-3 record and spectacular wins over Bryce Mitchell, Melsik Baghdasaryan and Drew Dober. Silva is around a -300 favorite with Allen at roughly +225 as the underdog.
Here’s how we’re betting UFC 324: Allen vs Silva, including our UFC predictions, best bet, key props and an expert final verdict.
Mini Fight Info Strip
Event: UFC 324 – T-Mobile Arena
Weight class: Featherweight bout
Fight length: 3-round main card fight
Date & time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Main card 9:00 p.m. ET, walk time ~09:00 p.m. ET
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Best Bet Card
Best Bet: Silva by KO/TKO (+175)
Book: Best price at FanDuel
Our best bet for UFC 324 is Silva by KO/TKO at +175. Below, we’ll break down the matchup and key props.
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Odds updated: January 22, 2026 – 1:15 AM ET. Lines may move before fight night, especially after weigh-ins or late injury news.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats to Know
Before we get into the matchup, here’s a Tale of the Tape for Allen vs Silva.
Tale Of The Tape
Arnold Allen
Jean Silva
Record
20-3
16-3
Age
32
29
Height
5’8″
5’7″
Reach
70″
69″
Stance
Southpaw
Orthodox
Sig. Strikes Landed
3.45
4.79
Striking Accuracy
41%
51%
Takedowns
0.93
0.50
Takedown Defense
75%
78%
Submission Avg.
0.3
0.8
Silva holds advantages in striking volume and accuracy. Both have excellent takedown defense above 75%, making this primarily a striking battle. Allen’s southpaw stance could create angles, but Silva’s power and finishing rate (12 career KOs) are dangerous. The 1-inch height and reach advantages for Allen are negligible.
Fighter Breakdown – Arnold Allen Analysis
Allen comes in with a 20-3 record including recent victories over Giga Chikadze, Dan Hooker and Calvin Kattar. The 32 year old English fighter is ranked #6 in the UFC featherweight division and is one of the most technical strikers at 145 pounds.
Strengths: Elite striking defense (61%) and well-rounded technical game. Solid takedown defense (75%). Seven career knockouts and four submissions show finishing ability. Never been stopped in his career. Strong cardio for three rounds. Southpaw stance creates awkward angles.
Weaknesses: Coming off 18-month layoff since beating Chikadze in July 2024. Lost his last two fights against elite competition (Holloway, Evloev). Lower output (3.45 strikes/min) than top featherweights. Can be inactive in exchanges.
Betting Angles: Allen’s +230 moneyline offers value for his technical skills. Allen by Decision (+400) is interesting if he can neutralize Silva’s power with defense. Fight goes the distance appeals given Allen’s durability.
Silva brings a 16-3 record with recent wins over Bryce Mitchell, Melsik Baghdasaryan and Drew Dober. The 29 year old Brazilian is ranked #10 and has finished 15 of his 16 career victories.
Strengths: Devastating finishing ability with 12 knockouts and 3 submissions. Excellent striking accuracy (51%) and volume. Four UFC performance bonuses in six fights. Strong takedown defense (78%). Coming off just his first UFC loss, hungry for redemption. Elite power and explosiveness.
Weaknesses: First UFC loss to Diego Lopes showed defensive holes against elite strikers. Only one career decision win suggests reliance on finishes. Can be wild in exchanges. Recent loss could affect confidence. Vulnerable to patient, technical opponents.
Betting Angles: Silva by KO/TKO (+175) is our primary play given his finishing rate. Silva’s -300 moneyline is reasonable but steep. Fight doesn’t go the distance (-108 at FanDuel) offers value given both fighters’ styles.
Silva has finished 12 of 16 career wins by knockout, including four of five UFC victories. Allen has never been stopped but faces the hardest hitter of his career. Silva’s aggressive style and power create early finish opportunities. Allen’s defensive skills keep him safe early, but Silva’s relentless pressure eventually lands flush. At +175 (implied 36.4%), we think this hits closer to 45-50%, offering good value.
Silva has only gone to decision once in 16 wins. His finishing rate combined with Allen’s long layoff suggests an early stoppage. Even if Allen wins, his submission game (4 career subs) could find Silva’s neck. At -108 (implied 51.9%), we think this finishes around 60% of the time, making it a slight value play.
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Small stake only. Allen has four career submission wins. If Silva presses too aggressively and shoots a reckless takedown, Allen’s grappling could capitalize. Silva has never been submitted but his aggressive style creates scrambles. At 25-1, this offers massive payout for a specific but plausible scenario. Keep stakes at 0.25 units maximum.
Prediction – Final Verdict
Official pick: Jean Silva by KO/TKO
We are backing Silva to stop Allen in the second round. Allen’s technical striking shouldl frustrate Silva in round one, potentially winning him the opening frame on volume and defense. Silva is good at adjusting and will so do in round two, using feints to draw Allen into exchanges and landing a devastating combination that should forces a stoppage.
Allen’s 18-month layoff can prove costly if his timing is slightly off against Silva’s explosive power. This win should move Silva back into the top 10 and sets up a potential rematch with Diego Lopes or a fight with another ranked contender. Allen’s technical skills keep it competitive but Silva’s finishing ability proves decisive.
How to Bet UFC 324: Tips for This Card
Beyond the Allen-Silva featherweight clash, UFC 324 offers several compelling matchups that create both opportunities and traps for bettors.
Card Tips:
Allen’s 18-month layoff is the longest of his UFC career. Ring rust could be a factor against an explosive finisher like Silva.
Historic Paramount+ debut creates added pressure and variance. Expect fighters to push for finishes on the big stage.
Both fighters have excellent takedown defense (75%+), suggesting this stays standing and creates knockout opportunities.
I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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