Natalia Silva is the new UFC women’s flyweight champion, plain and simple. She just clinched that title with a unanimous decision win over Wang Cong in the main event at UFC 332. This isn’t just another win, this is a statement.
Silva Controlled The Octagon, Even When Things Got Wild
Listen, the first round had good moments for both fighters, but Silva was clearly in charge. Her jab was active, her movement was on point, and she was dictating the pace. Then, the second round? That’s when things really heated up! Silva landed a head kick that sent Cong crashing to the ground. You love to see it. Cong tried to make a fight of it in the third round, even pushing for a brawl in a couple of spots. But Silva, she was smart. She mostly kept out of range, and even when it felt like a scramble, the judges weren’t swayed by Cong’s efforts. Silva just consistently did enough to lead the rounds. There were some murmurs about the scorecards because she didn’t exactly pile up damage, but her octagon control and striking were undeniable. She carried the day, no doubt.
The “Undisputed” Title Is Hers, No Matter What Anyone Says
This title wasn’t just handed to Silva, either. She’s been on a tear, building an incredible 8-0 record in the UFC, with huge wins over Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas already under her belt. Now, at 29, she’s got the gold. Of course, the elephant in the room is Valentina Shevchenko. “The Bullet” was ruling this division until a shoulder and back injury sidelined her for at least a year. Some folks are out there saying Shevchenko is *still* the champion until someone actually beats her in the cage. But Natalia Silva? Nah, she’s not buying that. She’s got an answer for anyone questioning her claim to the throne. “Whether it’s by beating Valentina or not, if I win the title, I’m the undisputed champion,” Silva told Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. “Regardless of whether it was against her or against someone else. I was prepared to fight her, I wanted to fight her. If she got injured and couldn’t be there, that’s out of my hands.” And she’s right!
For now, Silva is the best active fighter in the division, period. You know there’s gonna be a massive push to test her claim once Shevchenko is healthy and back. That fight, Silva vs. the longtime champion, is absolutely the biggest one the division can make right now. But hold up, there are other challengers waiting in the wings too. Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius are set for an intriguing fight on October 17. The flyweight division just got a whole lot more interesting!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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