Natalia Silva was crowned the new women's UFC flyweight champion after defeating China's Wang Cong via unanimous decision at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. The Brazilian extended her winning streak to 15 bouts with a dominant five-round performance. Silva had originally been scheduled to face Kyrgyzstan's Valentina Shevchenko for the vacant title, but Shevchenko was forced to vacate due to injury.
In her post-fight interview, Silva expressed gratitude and determination, saying, "This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I'm the new queen." The 29-year-old, entering as the favorite, led the judges' scorecards with tallies of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. Shevchenko later congratulated Silva on social media, writing, "Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations," but added, "Don't get too comfortable - keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt." The event marked the first women's main event in the UFC since Mackenzie Dern defeated Amanda Ribas in January 2025, and the first time two women headlined a numbered UFC event since June 2023.
Earlier on the card, Britain's Mick Parkin was knocked out by Johnny Walker in under four minutes during Walker's heavyweight debut.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing