TLDR
- Natalia Silva defeated Cong Wang to win the vacant UFC flyweight title at UFC 332
- Former champion Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Silva but warned she wants the belt back
- Shevchenko vacated the title earlier this year due to lingering injuries
- Silva improved to 9-0 in the UFC and extended her winning streak to 15 fights
- Shevchenko last fought in November 2025, recording her ninth title defense against Weili Zhang
Sources: sherdog.com
Former UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Natalia Silva on her title victory but warned the new champion that she plans to reclaim the belt soon. Shevchenko posted her message on social media shortly after Silva’s win at UFC 332 on Saturday.
Silva captured the vacant 125-pound title by defeating Cong Wang via unanimous decision in the main event at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Brazilian fighter improved her UFC record to 9-0 and extended her overall winning streak to 15 consecutive victories.
Despite no longer holding a title, @BulletValentina Shevchenko remains the No. 1 pound-for-pound woman in the latest media rankings update after #UFC322. pic.twitter.com/erD1pTkV8V
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 6, 2026
Shevchenko vacated the flyweight title due to lingering injuries earlier this year. She has not fought since her November 2025 victory over Weili Zhang, which marked her ninth title defense across two championship reigns.
Shevchenko Praises Silva’s Performance
In her post on X, Shevchenko acknowledged Silva’s achievement and praised her as a deserving champion. “Well deserved, Natalia! Congratulations! It’s my pleasure to know that UFC Champion’s belt is now holding deserving martial artist – such as you are!” she wrote.
However, Shevchenko quickly followed her congratulations with a clear warning. “But don’t get too comfortable— keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!” the former champion added.
Silva dominated Wang throughout their five-round battle at UFC 332. The Brazilian showcased superior striking and grappling skills to earn a convincing decision victory from all three judges.
Silva’s Path to the Title
Silva entered UFC 332 with a perfect record inside the octagon. Her nine straight UFC victories demonstrated her readiness for championship-level competition.
The 21-5-1 fighter has established herself as one of the division’s elite competitors. Her 15-fight winning streak is one of the longest active runs in women’s mixed martial arts.
Shevchenko held the flyweight title for most of the division’s history. She defended the belt successfully nine times and was considered one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
The former champion’s last fight against Zhang showed she remained at the top of her game. She defeated the former strawweight champion convincingly in a title defense that proved her skills remained sharp.
Shevchenko’s injuries forced her to vacate the title rather than hold up the division. The UFC created the vacant title fight between Silva and Wang to determine a new champion.
Wang entered UFC 332 as the number one contender but could not match Silva’s pace and skill. The Chinese fighter struggled to find success against Silva’s diverse attacking style.
Silva now holds a title that Shevchenko clearly views as temporarily on loan. The new champion will need to prepare for a challenge from one of the best fighters in UFC history.
No timeline has been announced for Shevchenko’s return to competition. The former champion’s recovery from her injuries will determine when she can challenge Silva for the flyweight title.
