UFC 322: Natalia Silva beats Wang Cong to win vacant flyweight title
Natalia Silva was crowned the new women’s UFC flyweight champion as she claimed the vacant title with a unanimous decision victory over China’s Wang Cong at UFC 332.
Silva had been set to face Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko for the title before their bout was cancelled, with Shevchenko forced to vacate the belt last month because of injury.
But the Brazilian extended her winning streak to 15 bouts with a dominant victory against Wang over five rounds in Salt Lake City.
“I want to tell this to everyone… don’t give up on anything,” Silva said in her post-fight interview.
“This belt here is because God gave me the opportunity. I knew [Wang] was a tough fighter. This fight proved why she was challenging me.
“This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I’m the new queen.”
The 29-year-old, who entered the bout as favourite, led the judges’ scorecards with tallies of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
Shevchenko later congratulated Silva on social media and warned her not to get “too comfortable”.
“Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations,” Shevchenko wrote on X.
“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.”
It was the first women’s main event in the UFC since Mackenzie Dern beat Amanda Ribas in January 2025, while it was the first time two women headlined one of the UFC’s flagship numbered events since June 2023, when Amanda Nunes defeated Irene Aldana.
Earlier, Britain’s Mick Parkin lasted less than four minutes in the octagon as he was knocked out by a knee from Johnny Walker on the Brazilian’s heavyweight debut.