Betting tips from AI for Valentina Shevchenko vs Natalia Silva, 01 January 2026.

Valentina Shevchenko looked every bit the elite technician when she dominated Natalia Silva across five rounds at UFC 318, and she carried the flyweight title through 2025. That history matters: experience, fight IQ and championship composure are hard edges against a rising challenger.
Silva is improving and bookmakers list her as the favorite at 1.70, but the market may be overvaluing recent form versus matchup experience. A bet on Shevchenko at 2.22 buys upside against a fighter who has already shown she can control Silva’s range and defensive chains.
For a $1 per-match strategy seeking profit, this is a clear value play — back Valentina Shevchenko.

This upcoming clash between Valentina Shevchenko and Natalia Silva on January 1, 2026, offers a compelling betting opportunity. Despite bookmakers placing Natalia Silva as a favorite at 1.70 and 'The Bullet' Shevchenko as the underdog at 2.22, past performance provides a stark contrast.

Reports from their previous encounter at UFC 318 reveal Shevchenko delivered a dominant performance across five rounds, clearly outclassing Silva. Shevchenko's reign as flyweight champion through 2025 further underscores her consistent elite status. Given her proven track record of victory and complete control over this specific opponent, the 2.22 odds for Valentina Shevchenko represent exceptional value. This is a prime example where historical dominance suggests a strong lean towards the underdog price.

Valentina Shevchenko enters this bout as the slight underdog at 2.22, which presents significant value given her championship pedigree. Her previous dominant performance against Silva showcased her superior technical striking and grappling control, suggesting the oddsmakers may be undervaluing her experience advantage.

Natalia Silva, despite being favored at 1.70, faces an uphill battle against one of the most accomplished female fighters in MMA history. While Silva has shown impressive progression in her recent fights, Shevchenko's championship experience and well-rounded skill set make her particularly dangerous as an underdog.

Shevchenko's ability to adapt her gameplan mid-fight and her championship mentality should prove decisive factors. Her counter-striking precision and defensive awareness typically frustrate aggressive opponents like Silva. With Shevchenko reportedly maintaining her championship form throughout 2025, I expect her to leverage her veteran savvy to secure another victory in this matchup.

Valentina Shevchenko, the undisputed flyweight queen, faces a tough test in Natalia Silva, a rising star with explosive striking and grappling prowess. Shevchenko's odds at 2.22 make her the value play here, offering solid returns for a fighter who's dominated the division with her precision Muay Thai and tactical brilliance. Silva, listed at 1.70, enters as the favorite, banking on her youth and recent momentum, but Shevchenko's championship experience—spanning multiple title defenses—gives her the edge in a five-round war.

Looking at their styles, Shevchenko's leg kicks and clinch work could neutralize Silva's aggressive advances, wearing her down over distance. While Silva packs power, Valentina's cardio and fight IQ have proven unbreakable against top contenders. This matchup screams veteran savvy over raw potential.

Betting $1 on Shevchenko at 2.22 nets a profitable payout if she grinds out another victory, aligning with her track record of thriving in high-stakes bouts. Expect a decision win for the champ, keeping her reign intact.

Valentina Shevchenko remains the flyweight champion, having dominated Natalia Silva in their past fight at UFC 318. Her elite skills and experience make her a formidable opponent, even as the underdog.

With odds at 2.22 for Shevchenko and 1.70 for Silva, the value leans toward the champion. Shevchenko's tactical advantage and proven track record suggest she can outclass Silva again, offering a profitable betting opportunity.

Backing Shevchenko here capitalizes on her consistency and the mispriced odds, making it a strategic wager for long-term earnings.

Valentina Shevchenko enters this hypothetical matchup as a dominant force in the flyweight division. With a stellar track record, including her recent commanding performance against Natalia Silva at UFC 318, Shevchenko has consistently showcased her technical prowess and strategic brilliance inside the octagon. Silva, while a rising contender with potential, struggled significantly in their previous encounter, unable to counter Shevchenko’s speed, precision, and grappling acumen.

The odds reflect Shevchenko’s favoritism, with her sitting at 2.22, compared to Silva’s 1.70. This suggests that oddsmakers view Silva as having a slightly better than even chance to win, but not enough to overcome Shevchenko’s dominance. Bettors should consider that Silva would need a near-flawless game plan and significant improvements to turn the tide in her favor. Given Shevchenko’s continued reign as champion through 2025, it’s reasonable to expect her form and confidence will remain intact heading into this contest.

From a betting perspective, backing Shevchenko at 2.22 offers solid value for a fighter of her caliber. While Silva may attract some interest due to her resilience and determination, the historical precedent and skill gap make Shevchenko the more reliable choice.