In a significant development just weeks before UFC 332, the promotion has confirmed that Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning UFC women’s flyweight champion, has vacated her title. This decision comes after Shevchenko sustained an undisclosed injury that is expected to sideline her for approximately a year. The announcement was made during the broadcast of UFC Paris, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on the implications for the division.
Shevchenko, who boasts an impressive record of 26 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of women’s mixed martial arts. Her second reign as champion began in 2024 when she avenged a previous loss to Alexa Grasso, and she successfully defended her title twice against formidable opponents, including Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili. Despite her accolades, Shevchenko has not competed since her victory over Zhang in November, raising concerns about her future in the octagon.
With Shevchenko now out of the picture, the spotlight shifts to Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, who will face off for the vacant women’s flyweight championship at UFC 332. Both fighters are highly ranked within the UFC’s women’s flyweight division, with Silva holding a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, while Cong stands at 10 wins and 1 loss.
Silva, at 29 years old, has made a remarkable impact in her UFC career, winning all eight of her fights within the promotion. Her notable victories include triumphs over former champions such as Jéssica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas, showcasing her skill and determination to claim the championship title.
On the other hand, Wang Cong, 34, has also proven herself as a formidable competitor, winning five of her six UFC bouts. Her most recent victory came against Tracy Cortez at UFC 329 in July, where she secured a decision win. Cong's only setback occurred in 2024 when she faced Gabriella Fernandes, suffering a submission loss.
UFC 332 is set to take place on October 3 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the fight card has been updated to reflect the title bout between Silva and Cong as the main event. Alongside this championship clash, the card features several other exciting matchups, including a bantamweight fight between Deiveson Figueiredo and Payton Talbott, as well as a heavyweight bout featuring Johnny Walker against Mick Parkin.
As the UFC women’s flyweight division braces for this pivotal title fight, fans are eager to see who will emerge as the new champion in Shevchenko's absence. The stakes are high for both Silva and Cong, as they vie not only for the title but also for their place in the history of the sport.
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