UFC 332 is set to make history as it will host the first interim title fight in women's UFC history. Scheduled for October 3 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, this event will feature a highly anticipated matchup between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong for the interim women’s flyweight championship.
The promotion faced challenges in securing a main event for this card, leading to the decision to proceed with an interim title bout. Silva, who boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw (8-0 in the UFC), was originally slated to challenge the reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko. However, due to an injury, Shevchenko will be sidelined for at least a year, prompting the UFC to insert Cong into the interim title fight.
UFC officials made the announcement during the broadcast of UFC Paris, with play-by-play commentator John Gooden confirming the news. Silva, currently ranked No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women's flyweight rankings, is on a remarkable 14-fight winning streak, which includes victories over notable fighters such as former champions Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas.
On the other hand, Wang Cong, who holds a record of 10 wins and 1 loss (5-1 in the UFC), has a significant opportunity ahead of her. Despite having only six fights in the UFC, she has established herself with four consecutive wins, all by decision. Her latest victory came against Tracy Cortez at UFC 329 in July, where she secured a unanimous decision.
A win for Cong would not only earn her the interim title but also set up a potential rematch with Shevchenko, who she defeated in a kickboxing match back in October 2015. Since joining the UFC, Cong has expressed her desire to face Shevchenko again, but the champion has encouraged her to earn that opportunity first. This interim title fight could be the stepping stone Cong needs to make that rematch a reality.
The lineup for UFC 332 is shaping up to be exciting, featuring several compelling matchups alongside the main event. Notable fights include Deiveson Figueiredo taking on Payton Talbott, Mick Parkin facing Johnny Walker, and Rafael dos Anjos squaring off against Alexander Hernandez, among others. As the event approaches, anticipation will build for what promises to be a landmark occasion in women’s MMA.
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