At UFC 332, Natalia Silva finally got her hands on UFC gold after defeating Wang Cong in a back-and-forth contest. With the win, Silva became just the fourth undisputed champion in the history of the women’s flyweight division, which was introduced in 2017.
The fight may not have delivered the same wild action as some of the other bouts on the card, but Silva put together a smart and composed performance. She relied on her speed, distance management, and kicking game to frustrate Cong throughout the 25-minute fight.
The title was up for grabs after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt following a back and shoulder injury. When the final horn sounded, the judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, all in Silva’s favor.
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Immediately after the bout, Silva made it clear that she wants to be an active champion rather than wait around for Shevchenko to recover from her injuries. While Shevchenko is expected to be Silva’s next opponent, UFC CEO Dana White also advised the Brazilian to stay active while holding the belt.
Silva had already beaten three former champions, including Rose Namajunas, Alexa Grasso, and Jessica Andrade on her way to becoming champion. Now, she appears ready to welcome anyone who steps up for a shot at her newly won title.
Valentina Shevchenko & Others React to Natalia Silva Becoming UFC Champion at UFC 332
The reaction to Silva’s victory was massive, with Shevchenko taking to X to congratulate the new champion. However, the longtime former champion also warned Silva not to get too comfortable with the belt while she recovers.
She wrote, “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!”
Shevchenko wasn’t the only prominent figure in the MMA world to react to Silva’s triumph. Several fighters, analysts, and other notable names had something to say about the new champion’s impressive victory. Here’s what they had to say.
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 !
#UFC332 @nataliasilvaufc— Valentina The Bullet Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) October 4, 2026
Congratulations New Champ @nataliasilvaufc
#UFC332
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) October 4, 2026
Ngl, the fight was pretty good
#UFC332— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) October 4, 2026
NATALIA SILVA CELEBRATED HER WIN WITH MACKENZIE DERN AND HER YOUNG DAUGHTER MOA
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT AFTER A HUGE NIGHT FOR THE NEW CHAMPION!
#UFC332
— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) October 4, 2026
https://t.co/jJbocCpf2xWelcome to the club champ!
— CrisCy₿org.com 19X World Champ (@criscyborg) October 4, 2026
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With Natalia Silva winning the flyweight title, all UFC women’s divisions have now had a Brazilian champion.
Welterweight is now the UFC’s lone division to never have a Brazilian champion.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 4, 2026
Never mess with the UFC Champ! Congratulations Natalia Silva on becoming a World Champion at UFC 332 https://t.co/5NEwyhYbMM
— Nina-Marie Daniele (@Ninadrama) October 4, 2026
Natália Silva is currently tied with Joanna_Jędrzejczyk for best start to a UFC career by a female fighter (8 wins in a row).
The most UFC wins in a row by a female fighter:
Amanda Nunes: 12 (streak started with her 4th UFC fight)
Valentina Shevchenko: 9 (streak started with her 6th UFC fight)
#UFC332— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 4, 2026
Above the rest
@NataliaSilvaUFC claims her place among flyweight’s finest! #UFC332 https://t.co/n3VRsT7tbX
— UFC (@ufc) October 4, 2026
Say what you want Valentina is still the champ after this.
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) October 4, 2026
Silva vs Cong was a good fight, it was not going to have a knockout like the rest of the card but it was a good striking match.
Silva vs Shevchenko should be interesting if Silva can defend the lay and pray #ufc
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) October 4, 2026
Natalia Silva vs Wang Cong is only the second time in #UFC women’s flyweight championship history that Valentina Shevchenko was not one of the fighters.
The first time was TUF 26 finale for inaugural women’s title.
#UFC332— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 4, 2026
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