The UFC has a new women's flyweight champion and her name is Natalia Silva.
In the UFC 332 main event, Silva (21-5-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC) defeated Wang Cong (10-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
For only the second time in the division's history, someone besides Valentina Shevchenko holds gold. Shevchenko vacated the title due to injury as the UFC attempted to line her up vs. Silva. The highest-ranked unbooked contender, Cong fill the other side of matchup.
The event, and the headliner, was heavily criticized by fans and media members, who felt the offering was underwhelming. While the supporting acts Saturday delivered in the action and excitement departments, Silva vs. Cong was a bit slower
and more methodical – a disappointing ending for many in attendance, who let their boos be heard.
But Silva was unwilling to let anything ruin her vibes. She seemed a step ahead of Cong throughout the matchup, clearly winning a majority of the rounds. Her biggest moment came in Round 2 when she dropped Cong with a head kick. Cong rebounded nicely with more competitive rounds in Round 3 and Round 4. However, it still was not enough.
The new flyweight era has begun 🇧🇷@NataliaSilvaUFC becomes the new champion after a 5-round battle at #UFC332! pic.twitter.com/ThkvnFa810
— UFC (@ufc) October 4, 2026
Brazil's Silva, 29, has won 15 fights in a row. She defeated three former champions in Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas en route to this title opportunity.
China's Cong, 34, had a four-fight winning streak snapped. Her other UFC loss came in November 2024 when she was upset by a Gabriella Fernandes submission.
As for the future of the division, Shevchenko's timeline for return is unclear. The promotion has indicated Alexa Grasso would be next for the winner of Saturday's main event. A former champion, Grasso defeated Manon Fiorot at Noche UFC in September.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 332 results:
- Natalia Silva def. Wang Cong via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – to win vacant women’s flyweight title
- Payton Talbott def. Deiveson Figueiredo via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:09
- Esteban Ribovics def. King Green via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:08
- Roberto Soldic def. Khaos Williams via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
- Roman Kopylov def. Ateba Gautier via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:12
- Imanol Rodriguez def. Alden Coria via TKO (body kick) – Round 1, 3:11
- Damian Pinas def. Andrey Pulyaev via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:15
- Marcus McGhee def. Anthony Romero via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:58
- Anthony Wint def. Lucas Armand via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:23
- Johnny Walker def. Mick Parkin via knockout (knee) – Round 1, 3:35
- Jacobe Smith def. Bruce Whitehead via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:32
- Alexander Hernandez def. Rafael dos Anjos via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:12
- Ismail Naurdiev def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Eric Nolan def. Court McGee via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:26
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 332 results: Natalia Silva one step ahead of Wang Cong, wins vacant title
