Natália Silva is officially the new UFC women’s flyweight champion, but before the confetti even settled, the legendary Valentina Shevchenko already had her sights on getting that belt back. Silva defeated Wang Cong by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) Saturday night at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, and while it was a massive moment for Silva, the former champ’s words immediately put a giant target on her back.
The New Queen’s Crowning Moment
Silva, at 29 years old, seized the vacant 125-pound title in a gritty performance. This wasn’t some fluke run either, folks. She was already pegged as the next challenger for the title even before it was vacated. Her win over Wang extended her absolutely stellar 9-0 run in the UFC. Think about that: NINE straight wins, including victories against former champs like Jéssica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas. That kind of resume screams legit, and she absolutely earned her shot at the gold.
The Shadow of “The Bullet” Looms Large
Just minutes after Silva’s hand was raised, the woman who *owned* this division since it started, two-time champ Valentina Shevchenko, popped up with a message that was half congratulation, half chilling prophecy. “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! But don’t get too comfortable , keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!” Talk about a mic drop! Shevchenko, 38, is an absolute legend, the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, and widely considered the greatest women’s 125-pounder ever. She’d fought 13 consecutive times with that title on the line, a streak going back to 2018. She only gave up the belt in early September because of an undisclosed injury, sidelining her until 2027, which is what opened the door for Silva and Wang in the first place. You know she’s just itching to get back.
Dana White’s Read on the Division’s Future
So what’s next for the new champ? UFC CEO Dana White weighed in, saying he expects Silva to keep the division moving while Shevchenko heals. “I think she should be active,” White said at the post-fight press conference. He also gave his thoughts on the main event itself, noting how Silva stormed out to an early lead, then had to hold off an aggressive Wang late in the fight. White even dropped a little truth bomb on Wang’s performance, saying, “I think that when Wang goes back and watches the film, she’s going to hate herself. I think that if she had stepped on the gas a little earlier, it would’ve been a completely different fight. It was close.” Man, that’s tough love, but he’s probably not wrong.
So, Natália Silva gets to rock the belt, but she’s got to know the baddest woman in the division is out there, watching, healing, and waiting to take it back. What an amazing storyline for 2027!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply