Bruno Silva before UFC Tampa: 'I can be next' for Alexandre Pantoja with win

TAMPA, Fla. – Bruno Silva thinks he’ll have a strong case for a flyweight title shot if he beats Manel Kape on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 63.

With four consecutive victories, all by stoppage and with Performance of the Night bonuses attached, Silva (14-5-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is arguably the hottest name in the division right now outside of reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, who successfully defended the 125-pound strap this past weekend at UFC 310 with a second-round submission of Kai Asakura.

Pantoja’s dominance over the weight class has left it largely baron of challengers. He has already beaten almost every relevant name, and some of them even twice. Silva is a fresh face, though, and he is keen to make a statement against Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC) at Amalie Arena (ESPN2, ESPN+) that proves that to the UFC brass, as well.

“Five Performance of the Night in a row? I can be the next,” Silva told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 63 media day. “Kai Asakura come from RIZIN and fight for the title. Manel Kape was the RIZIN champ. He was probably next for the title, but he lost to (Muhamamd) Mokaev. But now he has another chance. I think with this fight, the winner can be next. Pantoja already beat almost the whole top 10, so I feel like I can be next.”

Silva said he knows that Kape is a quality opponent who has never been finished in his UFC career. “Bulldog” is eager to change that, and with it change the conversation about the lack of threats to Pantoja’s throne.

“Four-fight win streak, no one else has that in the flyweight division,” Silva said. “Manel Kape’s a big name. No. 9. That’s what I’m thinking. I could be next.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.