"The Wild One" Ascends: Michelle Montague Dominates Ranked Opponent to Maintain Perfect Record

New Zealand's first female UFC fighter, Michelle Montague, moves to 8-0 after a dominant unanimous decision win over 12th-ranked Mayra Bueno Silva.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 6:03 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Grappling Masterclass

In just her second UFC appearance, Michelle Montague demonstrated the elite wrestling pedigree that first brought her to prominence at the Commonwealth Games. "The Wild One" dictated the pace of the fight from the opening bell, securing a trademark takedown within the first 30 seconds. Her superior clinching and grappling neutralized the dangerous striking of former contender Mayra Bueno Silva, leading to a convincing scorecard victory (30-27, 29-29, and 29-28).

Historic Milestone for New Zealand MMA

Montague’s ascent is a landmark moment for combat sports in New Zealand. After becoming the first Kiwi woman to sign with the promotion in July 2025, she has quickly transitioned from a historical curiosity to a legitimate contender. While Montague expressed minor disappointment at not securing the first-round finish she had predicted, her ability to outmuscle a veteran like Silva suggests she is ready for the division's top tier.

Rankings and Future Opponents

By defeating the 12th-ranked Silva, Montague is expected to see a number next to her name when the official UFC rankings are updated. Despite the potential for high-profile matchups, Montague remains famously indifferent to her specific opponents. Post-fight, she reiterated her "anyone, anywhere" mentality, stating that she expects to be back in the Octagon as soon as the standard three-week medical suspension clears.