Natalia Silva and Wang Cong meet for vacant flyweight title at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City
The vacant UFC women's flyweight championship is contested in Salt Lake City as top contender Natalia Silva faces striker Wang Cong, following Valentina Shevchenko's injury layoff.
Vacant title clash in Utah
The Ultimate Fighting Championship arrives at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday for UFC 332, headlined by a five-round bout for the vacant women's flyweight belt. Brazilian contender Natalia Silva enters the contest on a 14-fight winning streak, having defeated former champions Rose Namajunas, Alexa Grasso, and Jessica Andrade in her previous three appearances. The 29-year-old fighter holds an overall professional record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. The title became vacant after previous belt holder Valentina Shevchenko suffered a long-term injury and vacated the championship.
Silva faces Chinese kickboxer Wang Cong, known as "The Joker," who earned her title opportunity following a victory over Tracy Cortez in July. The 34-year-old Wang carries a four-fight winning streak into the title contest and possesses a prior kickboxing victory over Shevchenko from 2015.
- Natalia Silva
- 14 wins
- Wang Cong
- 4 wins
Striking dynamics and statistical profiles
Silva enters the contest as the betting favorite, relying on a taekwondo background, high mobility, and distance control. The Brazilian lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.36 per minute, supported by a 66% strike defense rate and a 90% takedown defense rate. In contrast, Wang offers offensive pressure and power, having previously registered strike totals of 143 and 137 over 15-minute bouts.
Wang acknowledged her opponent's technical caliber during pre-fight preparations.
She's an incredible fighter, an eight-fight win streak in UFC, beaten three former champions, she has amazing footwork, distance control and kicks.
Psychological tactics and persona
Ahead of the championship bout, Wang explained her distinctive pre-fight persona, which includes green-dyed hair, white face paint, and an exaggerated red painted smile inspired by the joker playing card.
It means the most powerful card, so I want to be the most powerful.
Wang has used theatrical gestures in previous bouts, including tossing an imaginary coin before facing Gabriella Fernandes in 2024 and handing opponent Tracy Cortez fake eyelashes in July.
When I have paint on I feel crazy. It makes me perform better, it inspires me. There's not much different between paint and no paint, this is my true personality.
Undercard matchups and event schedule
The co-main event features former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo competing at bantamweight against rising contender Payton Talbott. The main card also includes lightweight King Green facing Esteban Ribovics, Roberto Soldic making his UFC debut against welterweight Khaos Williams, and a middleweight contest between Ateba Gautier and Roman Kopylov.
- Early preliminary bouts begin at 4 p.m. ET in Salt Lake City
- Preliminary card starts at 6 p.m. ET featuring four bouts
- Five-bout main card commences at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+
- Natalia Silva and Wang Cong meet for the vacant flyweight championship
Early preliminary bouts begin at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT), followed by prelims at 6 p.m. ET (11 p.m. BST). The five-fight main card starts at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT, 1 a.m. BST Sunday). The event is broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS in the United States, and across TNT Sports in the United Kingdom.
