OTTAWA, ON — Canadian mixed martial arts standout Jasmine Jasudavicius is set to take centre stage on home soil as she prepares to face Brazilian contender Karine Silva in a key women’s flyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 273 on April 18, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario. It will mark the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to the Canadian capital for the first time since 2019, and Jasudavicius’s appearance adds star power to a card expected to excite local fight fans.
A Rising Canadian Contender
Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Jasudavicius has steadily climbed the women’s flyweight rankings since joining the UFC in 2021 through Dana White’s Contender Series. Known for her well-rounded skill set and tenacious grappling, she currently sits inside the top 10 of the division. Over her UFC career, she has notched multiple standout victories — including a first-round submission over former strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade at UFC 315 — and earned several Performance of the Night bonuses.
The 36-year-old black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu has developed a reputation for relentless pressure and technical proficiency, blending effective striking with elite ground control. In recent seasons she has put together notable winning streaks that briefly brought her to the cusp of title contention before suffering a setback against former challenger Manon Fiorot in a high-profile matchup last year.
Silva Represents a Tough Test
Opposite Jasudavicius will be Karine Silva, a powerful Brazilian flyweight ranked among the sport’s top contenders. Silva earned her UFC contract in 2021 after an impressive outing on Contender Series and quickly drew attention with a series of decisive finishes. Now ranked in the top 10 herself, Silva brings a dangerous combination of grappling prowess and submission threat to the cage.
Like Jasudavicius, Silva has faced elite competition in recent fights, most recently stepping into the Octagon against Maycee Barber in late 2025. The clash with the Canadian marks another pivotal moment for both fighters as they seek to ascend toward title-shot relevance in the 125-pound division.
Stakes on Canadian Soil
This matchup carries added significance as part of the UFC’s long-anticipated return to Ottawa — an event many Canadian MMA fans have been eager to see. With both women ranked among the flyweight’s elite, the bout could have major implications for the division’s future title picture. A win for Jasudavicius in front of a home crowd could catapult her back into serious title discussion, while Silva’s victory would solidify her status as a contender capable of disrupting the established order.
As the countdown to April 18 continues, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the standout fights on the UFC Ottawa card — and a momentous night for Canadian MMA.