Key Highlights:
- Brazil’s Natalia Silva won the vacant UFC women’s flyweight title via unanimous decision against China’s Wang Cong at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.
- Silva extended her winning streak to 15 fights after original opponent Valentina Shevchenko was forced to vacate the championship due to injury.
- Former champion Shevchenko sent a public message praising Silva while warning her that she will be coming back to reclaim the belt soon.
Natalia Silva Captures Flyweight Gold at UFC 332
Natalia Silva has ascended to the pinnacle of the women’s flyweight division, securing the vacant championship belt with a composed, five-round unanimous decision victory over China’s Wang Cong at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. Entering the octagon as the betting favorite, the 29-year-old Brazilian controlled the pacing and exchanges across 25 minutes, sweeping the judges’ scorecards with tallies of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. The triumph marks Silva’s 15th consecutive career victory and places her at the helm of one of mixed martial arts’ most competitive weight classes.
The path to the title showdown saw a major shift late in preparation. Silva had initially been scheduled to battle Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko for the championship. However, that clash was derailed last month when Shevchenko suffered an injury that forced her to vacate the title, opening the door for the surging Wang Cong to step into the headlining spotlight. Despite the high-stakes adjustment in opponent, Silva maintained her composure and neutralized Wang’s offense throughout the championship frames.
Silva Celebrates Championship Crowning
In her emotional post-fight address inside the Octagon, Silva reflected on the journey to the title and acknowledged the threat posed by her opponent.
“I want to tell this to everyone… don’t give up on anything,” Silva said in her post-fight interview. “This belt here is because God gave me the opportunity. I knew [Wang] was a tough fighter. This fight proved why she was challenging me. “This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I’m the new queen.”
Valentina Shevchenko Issues Post-Fight Warning
Shortly after the conclusion of the bout, former champion Valentina Shevchenko took to social media to acknowledge the new titleholder while making her future intentions known. The Kyrgyzstani star praised Silva’s pedigree but delivered a clear notice regarding her plans to return to competition.
“Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations,” Shevchenko wrote on X. “It’s my pleasure to know that UFC Champion’s belt is now holding deserving martial artist – such as you are.”
Shevchenko then added: “But don’t get too comfortable – keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt.”
Milestone Main Event and Undercard Results
The showdown between Silva and Wang represented a historic milestone for UFC programming. It marked the promotion’s first women’s main event since Mackenzie Dern defeated Amanda Ribas in January 2025. Furthermore, the clash represented the first time two female fighters headlined one of the UFC’s flagship numbered pay-per-view events since June 2023, when Brazilian legend Amanda Nunes successfully defended her bantamweight crown against Irene Aldana.
Earlier on the UFC 332 card, action featured a high-profile division switch as Brazilian competitor Johnny Walker made a statement in his heavyweight debut. Walker needed less than four minutes inside the octagon to halt Britain’s Mick Parkin, earning a highlight-reel knockout victory via a decisive knee.
Why This Matters
Natalia Silva’s championship victory resets the dynamic of the UFC women’s flyweight division, creating a definitive target at the top of the 125-pound ranks. By capturing the vacant belt, Silva solidifies a 15-fight winning run and sets up an inevitable blockbuster unification or defense against Valentina Shevchenko once the former champion recovers from her injury. The headline billing at UFC 332 also revitalizes women’s mixed martial arts representation at the top of major numbered pay-per-view cards, ending a multi-year gap dating back to the summer of 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Natalia Silva win the UFC flyweight championship?
Natalia Silva defeated Wang Cong by unanimous decision over five rounds at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, with judges turning in scorecards of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Why was the UFC flyweight title vacant before UFC 332?
The title became vacant after reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko suffered an injury last month, forcing the cancellation of her scheduled bout against Silva and prompting her to relinquish the belt.
What happened in Johnny Walker’s heavyweight debut on the card?
Johnny Walker successfully transitioned to the heavyweight division by scoring a first-round knockout victory against Britain’s Mick Parkin with a knee in under four minutes.
