Natalia Silva was topped the brand new girls’s UFC flyweight champion as she claimed the vacant title with a unanimous determination victory over China’s Wang Cong at UFC 332.
Silva had been set to face Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko for the title earlier than their bout was cancelled, with Shevchenko pressured to vacate the belt final month due to damage.
However the Brazilian prolonged her successful streak to fifteen bouts with a dominant victory towards Wang over 5 rounds in Salt Lake Metropolis.
“I need to inform this to everybody… do not quit on something,” Silva mentioned in her post-fight interview.
“This belt right here is as a result of God gave me the chance. I knew [Wang] was a troublesome fighter. This combat proved why she was difficult me.
“That is the start of Natalia Silva. I am the brand new queen.”
The 29-year-old, who entered the bout as favorite, led the judges’ scorecards with tallies of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
Shevchenko later congratulated Silva on social media and warned her to not get “too snug”.
“Effectively deserved Natalia! Congratulations,” Shevchenko wrote on X.
“It is my pleasure to know that UFC Champion’s belt is now holding deserving martial artist – akin to you’re.
“However do not get too snug – preserve it heat, I am coming quickly for my belt.”
It was the primary girls’s important occasion within the UFC since Mackenzie Dern beat Amanda Ribas in January 2025, whereas it was the primary time two girls headlined one of many UFC’s flagship numbered occasions since June 2023, when Amanda Nunes defeated Irene Aldana.
Earlier, Britain’s Mick Parkin lasted lower than 4 minutes within the octagon as he was knocked out by a knee from Johnny Walker on the Brazilian’s heavyweight debut.