NATALIA SILVA WINS VACANT UFC WOMEN'S FLYWEIGHT TITLE

Natalia Silva became the new UFC women's flyweight champion after a unanimous decision victory over Wang Cong at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, claiming a title left vacant following Valentina Shevchenko's injury-enforced withdrawal. Judges scored the five-round contest 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 in the Brazilian's favour. The win extended Silva's unbeaten run to 15 consecutive bouts. Silva, who entered the contest as favourite, said in her post-fight interview that the belt came from God-given opportunity and told viewers not to give up on anything. She described the victory as "the beginning of Natalia Silva" and called herself "the new queen".

Shevchenko, who had been due to defend the title against Silva before withdrawing because of injury last month, congratulated her successor on social media, writing that it was her pleasure to see the belt held by a deserving martial artist. Shevchenko added a warning not to get "too comfortable", saying she intends to return for the title. The contest marked the first women's main event in the UFC since Mackenzie Dern defeated Amanda Ribas in January 2025. It was also the first time two women headlined one of the promotion's flagship numbered events since Amanda Nunes beat Irene Aldana in June 2023.

Elsewhere on the card, Britain's Mick Parkin was knocked out in under four minutes by a knee strike from Johnny Walker, who was making his heavyweight debut. Fellow Brazilian and former champion Amanda Nunes also responded to Silva's win on social media. No date has been confirmed for a potential title defence against Shevchenko.