Natalia Silva has been crowned the new UFC women’s flyweight champion after beating China’s Wang Cong by unanimous decision at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.
Silva won the vacant title after five rounds, with the judges scoring the fight 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 in her favour.
The Brazilian extended her winning streak to 15 fights with a dominant performance against Wang, who had been challenging for her first UFC title.
Silva had originally been scheduled to face Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko for the belt before their fight was cancelled after Shevchenko was forced to vacate the title because of injury.
The 29-year-old entered the fight as the favourite and controlled much of the contest to secure the biggest victory of her career.
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“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.”
Shevchenko warns Silva
Shevchenko congratulated Silva on becoming champion but 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.”
Shevchenko’s message sets up the possibility of a future title fight between the two fighters.
Women headline UFC event
The fight marked the first women’s UFC main event since Mackenzie Dern defeated Amanda Ribas in January 2025.
It was also the first time two women headlined one of the UFC’s numbered flagship events since June 2023, when Amanda Nunes defeated Irene Aldana.
Earlier on the UFC 332 card, Britain’s Mick Parkin suffered a first-round knockout against Johnny Walker.
Parkin lasted less than four minutes before Walker stopped him with a knee during the Brazilian’s heavyweight debut.
