The upcoming UFC 332 event has encountered a significant setback as Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning women's flyweight champion, has withdrawn from the fight due to an undisclosed injury. Scheduled to defend her title against Natalia Silva, Shevchenko's exit has left the event's main attraction in jeopardy. In response, UFC officials are actively working to secure a replacement fight to maintain a championship bout on the card.
UFC 332 is set to take place on October 3, 2026, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Initially, fans were eagerly anticipating the clash between Shevchenko and Silva, which would have showcased two of the top competitors in the women's flyweight division. However, with Shevchenko's injury, the UFC is now exploring options to fill the void left by the champion.
Reports indicate that the UFC may have identified a possible interim title fight featuring Natalia Silva against Wang Cong. Wang, currently ranked No. 6 in the women's flyweight division, has been on an impressive run, winning her last four fights since suffering her only career loss in November 2024. Her most recent victory came against Tracy Cortez, which she secured via unanimous decision in July 2026.
Silva, on the other hand, has also been a formidable contender, boasting an undefeated record in the UFC. Her last five fights include victories over notable opponents such as Rose Namajunas and Alexa Grasso, all won by unanimous decision. This impressive streak places her in a prime position to contend for the title, making the proposed matchup against Wang Cong particularly compelling.
The decision to potentially elevate Wang Cong into a title fight stems from the current landscape of the division. Other top contenders, such as Manon Fiorot, Alexa Grasso, and Zhang Weili, have either recently fought for the title or are currently unavailable due to injuries. This situation makes the Wang-Silva matchup a logical choice for the interim title.
While the UFC has not yet officially confirmed the new main event, Dana White, the organization’s CEO, indicated that an announcement regarding the fight would be made soon. The promotion aims to ensure that fans still have a championship-level fight to look forward to at UFC 332, despite the unfortunate loss of Shevchenko from the card.
As the UFC continues to navigate the challenges posed by injuries and scheduling conflicts, the focus remains on delivering high-stakes matchups that engage fans and highlight the talent within the organization. The potential interim title fight between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong could serve as a pivotal moment for both fighters as they vie for a chance at the championship belt.
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