In the featherweight matchup, Katerina Shakarova defeated Dayana Silva by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) at Bellator 298.
In the match, Shakarova outplayed Silva with her feet and displayed impressive striking. Chakarova’s ability to maintain an attacking presence despite being on the back foot for most of the match put Silva in an attacking role. Silva landed some impactful strikes, but it was Shakarova’s relentless performance that stood out. Surprisingly, the fighter, known for her submissions, found that she could not keep Silva pinned to the ground thanks to Silva’s outstanding counter-wrestling skills. But Shakarova showed incredible adaptability and stand-up prowess throughout the match.
With this win, Shakarova improved her professional record to 8-1, and also marked a win in her Bellator debut. The 25-year-old Ukrainian native Shakarova’s prowess was evident as he showcased his skills against his more experienced competitors. With a victory over Silva, the No. 7 featherweight, Shakarova is poised to make a big impact on the rankings in future updates.
On the other side of the match, Silva’s professional record dropped to 10-9, while Bellator’s record dropped to 1-4. Despite his tireless efforts, Silva has suffered two straight losses since losing a decision to Leah McCourt in September 2022. The 33-year-old Brazilian’s determination and his experience in battling top contenders is undeniable. She especially showed her resilience and skill set by fighting her former champion Julia Budd in a split decision. Despite her competitive spirit, securing her win on her scorecard proved difficult for her.
Bellator 298 will take place on Friday, August 11, 2023 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. The much-anticipated featherweight bout between Silva and Shakarova unfolded during qualifying and was broadcast live on Bellator’s YouTube channel at 6:30 p.m. ET.
