Natalia Silva Crowns Herself 'New Queen' With UFC Flyweight Title Win
Brazilian takes vacant belt from Wang Cong by unanimous decision at UFC 332
2 min read
File photo: The UFC Octagon. Photo: Sgt. Leonard Langston / US Marine Corps, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
SALT LAKE CITY — Natalia Silva claimed the vacant UFC women's flyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over China's Wang Cong at UFC 332, extending a winning streak that now stretches to 15 bouts.
Judges scored the five-round main event 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 for the Brazilian at the Delta Center, BBC Sport and Associated Press reported. Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt last month because of injury, clearing the path for Silva versus Wang.
"I want to tell this to everyone... don't give up on anything," Silva said afterward. "This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I'm the new queen."
Shevchenko's warning
Shevchenko congratulated Silva on X and urged her not to get comfortable. "Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations," she wrote, adding: "But don't get too comfortable — keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt."
AP described Silva as more aggressive early, using speed and kicks; she dropped Wang with a head kick in the second round before Wang pressed in the fifth.
Historic billing
BBC Sport said it was the first women's UFC main event since Mackenzie Dern beat Amanda Ribas in January 2025, and the first time women headlined a numbered UFC card since Amanda Nunes defeated Irene Aldana in June 2023.
On the undercard, Britain's Mick Parkin was knocked out by a knee from Johnny Walker in under four minutes on Walker's heavyweight debut.
Silva's streak dates to 2017. She entered as favorite after Shevchenko's withdrawal and left Salt Lake City with the flyweight belt.
Sources: BBC Sport; ABC News/AP
