Natalia Silva Won Vacant UFC Flyweight Title
Natalia Silva secured the 125-pound championship belt by defeating Wang Cong at UFC 332.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Natalia Silva captured the vacant UFC women's flyweight title in September 2026 after defeating Wang Cong by unanimous decision at UFC 332. The belt became available after former champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated the title due to a long-term injury.
Why it matters
Shevchenko chose to vacate the 125-pound championship to ensure the division remained active and competitive while she recovers from her injury. Her decision allowed the organization to crown a new champion through a direct title bout rather than stalling the division's progression.
The vacant UFC women's flyweight title fight at 125 lbs concluded with a unanimous decision victory for Natalia Silva. The championship was contested at the UFC 332 event following the departure of the former titleholder.
The players
Natalia Silva
Natalia Silva is the newly crowned UFC women's flyweight champion who earned her title after a victory at UFC 332.
Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko is the former UFC women's flyweight champion who vacated her title in September 2026 due to injury.
Wang Cong
Wang Cong is a professional mixed martial artist who competed against Natalia Silva for the vacant flyweight title at UFC 332.
The details
Natalia Silva earned the victory at UFC 332 through a unanimous decision to claim the belt previously held by Valentina Shevchenko. Silva is now positioned for potential future title defenses against top-ranked contenders including Alexa Grasso or the winner of a matchup between Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius.
Timeline
Valentina Shevchenko vacated the UFC flyweight title in September 2026.
Shevchenko could not compete at 100 percent capacity in October 2026.
Shevchenko intends to make her return to the Octagon in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This transition shifts the flyweight division into a new era under Natalia Silva, ending the long-standing tenure of the previous champion. The move sets up a clear path for future title defenses and changes the hierarchy for top contenders like Alexa Grasso and Erin Blanchfield.
Natalia Silva is now the primary target for top-ranked flyweight contenders including Alexa Grasso, Erin Blanchfield, and Jasmine Jasudavicius. The division's landscape has shifted, impacting potential future betting lines and rankings for all challengers in the 125-pound weight class.
The takeaway
The move to vacate the belt highlights how organizations manage title stability during athlete injury cycles. Fans and analysts should monitor the upcoming bout between Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius as it will likely determine the first challenger for the new champion.
What happens next
Valentina Shevchenko is currently planning for a return to professional competition in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Mixed Martial Arts division.
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