TLDR
- Natalia Silva defeated Wang Cong by unanimous decision to win the vacant UFC flyweight championship at UFC 332
- Former champion Valentina Shevchenko immediately warned Silva to keep the belt warm, promising a quick return
- Silva extended her UFC winning streak to nine fights and her overall streak to 15 dating back to 2017
- Shevchenko and Arman Tsarukyan both entered ESPN’s pound-for-pound top 10 rankings
- Shevchenko vacated the title to recover from lingering injuries, creating the opportunity for Silva and Wang
Sources: yardbarker.com | foxsports.com.au
Natalia Silva became the new UFC flyweight champion on Sunday, but the former titleholder wasted no time putting her on notice.
Valentina Shevchenko posted a message on social media immediately after Silva’s victory, telling the new champion to keep the belt warm because she’s coming back for it.
“Well deserved, Natalia,” Shevchenko wrote. “Congratulations! … But don’t get too comfortable – keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!”
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 Wins Vacant Title
Silva defeated Wang Cong by unanimous decision at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of the Brazilian fighter.
The title was vacant because Shevchenko gave up the belt to recover from lingering injuries. This opened the door for Silva and Wang to fight for the championship at the Delta Center.
The victory extended Silva’s winning streak inside the UFC to nine fights. She has never lost since joining the promotion in 2022.
Silva’s overall winning streak now stands at 15 fights, dating back to 2017. The 29-year-old has beaten several former UFC champions during her rise, including Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas.
ESPN Rankings Update
Both Shevchenko and lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan entered ESPN’s pound-for-pound top 10 in the latest rankings update.
The additions forced two previously ranked fighters out of the elite list. ESPN’s panel considers recent fight results, strength of opposition, and dominance within divisions when making these decisions.
Shevchenko held the UFC flyweight championship across two separate title reigns. Her technical striking and grappling skills earned her multiple title defenses during her time as champion.
Tsarukyan earned his spot after climbing through the lightweight ranks with victories over top contenders. The wins positioned him as a serious threat in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
Other fighters reacted to Silva’s championship victory on social media. “Congratulations New Champ,” posted Merab Davalishvilli.
Diana Belbita wrote that the fight was “pretty good,” while Jillian DeCoursey scored it 48-47 for Silva. DeCoursey gave Wang the last two rounds but said the fourth round could have gone either way.
The next ESPN rankings update will depend on upcoming fight results across multiple UFC weight classes. Silva now faces the challenge of defending her newly won title against a division that includes Shevchenko, who remains a dominant force in the flyweight rankings.
