Michelle Montague is a talent that women’s bantamweight division followers should be keeping an eye on immediately. This New Zealander has established her reputation through exceptional grappling skills, boasting an undefeated professional record of 7-0. Training at the renowned American Top Team, Montague is now set for a significant challenge against former title contender Mayra Bueno Silva. Current betting markets favor Montague in this upcoming bout.
The Ascent of Michelle Montague: New Zealand’s Undefeated UFC Prospect
Early betting lines indicate Mayra Bueno Silva as an underdog (+330) with Montague as the favorite (-400). This sentiment is reflected across various sports betting platforms, suggesting a strong market perception of Montague’s capabilities. While these odds are not definitive, they clearly signal how the matchup is viewed: Montague is expected to overcome a highly-ranked UFC contender.
Montague’s journey in combat sports began with a solid foundation in New Zealand, participating in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and MMA before turning professional. In 2019, she made history 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-New Zealand final held in Bahrain against Mel Webster. 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 reason for Montague’s rapid progression in her fights. She started her career with an impressive six consecutive wins, all by way of rear-naked choke. This remarkable consistency, especially for a fighter known for her ground control, underscores her submission prowess. Indeed, over 80 percent of her professional wins have come via submission, with her UFC debut also showcasing her ability to secure a victory on the judges’ scorecards.
Montague’s finishing pattern demonstrates a fighter adept at transitioning from takedowns to dominant back control and executing effective chokes. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 135 pounds, her combined experience in wrestling and grappling, coupled with her daily training at American Top Team, positions her as a formidable long-term prospect in a division that currently lacks a deep pool of young, ascending, and well-rounded contenders.
This is precisely why Montague deserves immediate attention. She possesses the amateur accolades, a powerful grappling foundation, an undefeated record, and a rapidly advancing career trajectory. If she can overcome Bueno Silva, Montague has the potential to ascend to superstardom.
Michelle Montague’s next fight 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.
