TLDR
- Natalia Silva won the vacant UFC flyweight title by defeating Cong Wang via unanimous decision at UFC 332
- Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Silva on social media but warned her to keep the belt warm
- Shevchenko vacated the title earlier this year due to lingering injuries and was originally scheduled to fight Silva
- Silva extended her UFC record to 9-0 and her overall winning streak to 15 fights
- Shevchenko recorded nine title defenses before vacating, with her last fight being a win over Weili Zhang in November 2025
Sources: sherdog.com | mmasucka.com
Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Natalia Silva on winning the UFC women’s flyweight championship but made it clear she plans to take it back. The former champion posted a message on social media just hours after Silva’s victory at UFC 332.
Silva defeated Cong Wang by unanimous decision in the main event Saturday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the five-round fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in Silva’s favor.
The Brazilian fighter improved her UFC record to 9-0 with the win. She has now won 15 consecutive fights overall.
Wang Cong is Valentina Shevchenko's last kickboxing opponent. Cong beat Shev by decision in that fight.
Valentina's next fight after this was her UFC debut 👀pic.twitter.com/k4RinwHwR5
— MMA On Point (@mmaonpoint) September 30, 2026
Shevchenko praised Silva’s performance and called her a deserving champion. “Well deserved, Natalia! Congratulations!” she wrote on X. “It’s my pleasure to know that UFC Champion’s belt is now holding deserving martial artist – such as you are!”
But the congratulations came with a warning attached. “Don’t get too comfortable — keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!” Shevchenko added.
Why Silva Fought for Vacant Title
Shevchenko vacated the flyweight championship earlier this year due to lingering injuries. She was originally scheduled to defend the belt against Silva before her medical issues forced her to withdraw.
The former champion last fought in November 2025 against Weili Zhang. She defeated the Chinese fighter to record her ninth title defense across two championship reigns.
With Shevchenko unable to compete, the UFC scheduled Silva and Wang to fight for the vacant title. Silva dominated the fight from start to finish, showcasing the skills that have made her one of the division’s top contenders.
Silva has already defeated several former UFC champions during her winning streak. Her wins include victories over Jessica Andrade, Rose Namajunas, and Alexa Grasso.
Potential Championship Rematch Looms
Shevchenko’s social media post suggests she expects to return to action soon. The timing of her comeback remains unclear as she continues to recover from the injuries that forced her to vacate the title.
A fight between Shevchenko and Silva would settle the question of who is the true flyweight champion. The two were supposed to meet before Shevchenko’s injury, making a future matchup seem likely.
Silva now holds the undisputed championship after her dominant performance against Wang. Her technical striking and tactical approach earned praise from fans and analysts.
Shevchenko has been one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. Her nine title defenses put her among the most successful fighters in the women’s divisions.
The former champion’s message made it clear she still considers the belt hers. She referred to it as “my belt” in her post to Silva.
Silva has not yet publicly responded to Shevchenko’s warning. The new champion is likely focused on celebrating her first UFC title rather than thinking about her next opponent.
The UFC has not announced any plans for Silva’s first title defense. Shevchenko appears to be positioning herself as the top contender once she receives medical clearance to compete again.
