Michelle Montague is a prospect that followers of women’s bantamweight MMA should be closely watching. This New Zealander has built her reputation on exceptional grappling skills, achieving a perfect 7-0 professional record. Currently training at American Top Team, Montague is set to face a significant challenge against former title contender Mayra Bueno Silva. Early betting odds even position Montague as the favorite in this matchup.
The initial odds indicate a strong market belief in Montague’s capabilities, with Mayra Bueno Silva listed as a +330 underdog and Montague as a -400 favorite. While odds are not a guarantee of outcome, they reflect the significant anticipation surrounding this fight and the expectation that Montague could overcome a highly-ranked UFC contender.
Montague’s journey began with a strong foundation in combat sports in New Zealand, excelling in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and MMA before her professional career took flight. She made history in 2019 by becoming the first athlete from Waikato to earn a medal at the IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships, securing a gold medal in an all-Kiwi final. Her athletic achievements also include representing New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in freestyle wrestling in both 2018 and 2022, winning an Oceania wrestling championship, competing in the UWW World Championships, and holding multiple national grappling titles.
This extensive background in grappling and wrestling is a key factor in Montague’s rapid progression through her fights. She started her career with six consecutive wins, all secured via rear-naked choke, demonstrating remarkable consistency for a fighter known for her ground control. This dominance lends credibility to her submission rate exceeding 80%, with six of her first seven professional victories coming by tapout, before adding a decision win on her UFC debut path.
Her finishing pattern highlights a fighter adept at converting takedowns into dominant positions and securing submissions. Standing at 5-foot-9 and competing at 135 pounds, her combined experience in wrestling and grappling, coupled with her training at American Top Team, positions her as a formidable long-term prospect in a division that is actively seeking young, ascending contenders.
This is precisely why Montague deserves attention now. She possesses the amateur accolades, a formidable grappling base, an undefeated record, and a rapidly advancing career trajectory. Should she emerge victorious against Bueno Silva, she has the potential to become a true superstar in the sport.
Michelle Montague’s next bout is scheduled for April 25, 2026, where she will face Mayra Bueno Silva at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of a UFC Fight Night event.
Why Michelle Montague Needs to Be on Your Radar Before UFC Fans Catch Up
Michelle Montague is the kind of prospect who should be on everyone’s radar in the women’s bantamweight division right now, rather than later. The New Zealander established her name through grappling prowess, which contributed to her undefeated 7-0 professional record. Training at American Top Team, Montague is now poised for a significant test against former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva, with current betting markets favoring Montague.
Who Is Michelle Montague? Inside the Rise of New Zealand’s Undefeated UFC Fighter
Opening odds have Mayra Bueno Silva at +330 and Montague at -400. Other sportsbooks, such as New Zealand Sports Betting, have consistently shown Montague as the favorite and Bueno Silva as the underdog for their scheduled April 25, 2026, bout. While these figures don’t guarantee a specific outcome, they clearly indicate the market’s perception of the matchup. Montague is widely expected to defeat a top-ranked UFC contender.
Montague emerged from a rich combat sports background in New Zealand, competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and MMA before her professional career gained momentum. In 2019, she made history as the first athlete from Waikato to medal at the IMMAF Amateur MMA World Championships, clinching gold in an all-Kiwi final in Bahrain against Mel Webster. Furthermore, she represented New Zealand as a freestyle wrestler at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, is an Oceania wrestling champion, a competitor in the UWW World Championships, and a multiple-time national grappling titleholder.
This extensive background helps explain Montague’s rapid progression through fights. She began her career with six consecutive wins, all by rear-naked choke, an impressive display of consistency, even for a prospect built around ground control. This dominance supports the claim that her submission rate exceeds 80%, as six of her first seven documented professional wins came by tapout, before she later added a decision victory on her path to the UFC.
Her finishing pattern showcases a fighter capable of transitioning takedowns into clean back takes and chokes. With a 5-foot-9 frame at 135 pounds, experience across wrestling and grappling disciplines, and daily training at American Top Team, she represents a serious long-term project in a division that still lacks numerous well-rounded, young, and ascending contenders.
This is why Montague deserves a place on your radar now. She possesses the amateur pedigree, the grappling foundation, the undefeated record, and a rapidly advancing schedule. If she overcomes Bueno Silva, she could very well become a superstar.
Michelle Montague’s next fight is slated for April 25, 2026, against Mayra Bueno Silva at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on a UFC Fight Night card.