TLDR
- Natalia Silva defeated Wang Cong by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to win the vacant UFC women’s flyweight championship at UFC 332
- Silva controlled the first two rounds with striking and movement, landing a memorable switch high kick that dropped Wang
- Wang rallied in the championship rounds with leg kicks and combinations but couldn’t close the gap on the scorecards
- The victory extended Silva’s UFC record to 9-0 and her overall win streak to 15 fights dating back to 2017
- Former champion Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Silva but warned she would return to reclaim her belt
Sources: yardbarker.com | supersport.com | mmafighting.com
Natalia Silva became the new UFC women’s flyweight champion on Sunday morning after defeating Wang Cong by unanimous decision in the UFC 332 main event at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the five-round bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Silva.
The championship was vacant after former titleholder Valentina Shevchenko relinquished the belt to take time off for lingering injuries. Silva and Wang competed for the empty throne in front of a packed arena.
Natalia Silva has no intention of waiting for Valentina Shevchenko for her first title defense after #UFC332:
"I want to be an active champion. There is no point in being a title holder if you don't put it out for defense." pic.twitter.com/bmXmhchwoD
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 4, 2026
Silva Controls Early Rounds With Striking
Silva established control in the opening two rounds with her striking and movement around the octagon. Wang had few answers for Silva’s slick combinations and footwork early in the fight.
The Brazilian fighter landed rapid unanswered combinations during the first half of the bout. A standout moment came when Silva dropped Wang with a switch high kick that connected flush on the jaw as they exited an exchange.
Wang survived the knockdown and made it to the championship rounds. The knockdown helped seal the decision for Silva and showcased her Taekwondo-based skill set.
Wang Rallies Late But Falls Short
The tide began to turn in round three as Wang came alive. She pressed Silva with stinging kicks and stiff jabs while controlling the center of the octagon.
Wang, known as ‘The Joker,’ found success with leg kicks during the final rounds. Silva replied with powerful leg kicks of her own despite appearing to slow down heading into the fifth round.
In the final round, Wang remained on the front foot and moved forward with her left hand firing away. With Silva backed up against the cage, Wang landed striking combinations on several occasions.
Silva managed to escape danger with clever movement each time. Wang failed to close the gap on the scorecards despite her late surge.
By the final buzzer, Silva had done enough to win over the judges. The victory improved her UFC record to 9-0 and extended her overall win streak to 15 fights dating back to 2017.
Shortly after the result was announced, Shevchenko took to social media to congratulate the new champion. She also issued a warning to Silva about her future plans.
“Well deserved, Natalia. Congratulations!” Shevchenko wrote. “But don’t get too comfortable—keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!”
Shevchenko owns nine successful title defenses across two separate championship reigns at flyweight. She will be eager to begin a third reign when she returns to competition.
The UFC 332 main card also featured several other finishes. Payton Talbott defeated former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo by TKO at 2:09 of round one.
Esteban Ribovics stopped King Green by TKO at 4:08 of the first round. Roberto Soldić earned a unanimous decision over Khaos Williams, while Roman Kopylov finished Ateba Gautier by TKO at 3:12 of round one.
Silva will likely face Shevchenko in her first title defense whenever the former champion is cleared to return from injury.
