Natalia Silva claimed the undisputed flyweight title after winning a back-and-forth battle with Wang Cong in the UFC 332 main event on Saturday.
While it was far from a barnburner, Silva used her speed and accuracy to frustrate Wang across all five rounds. By the end of the fight, Wang was swinging big wild punches just trying for the finish but Silva was too quick and elusive offensively and defensively.
When it was over the judges scored the contest 48-47, 48-47 an 49-46 with Silva getting the nod to claim the 125-pound title.
“I am so happy,” Silva said after her win. “I want to tell this to everyone … don’t give up on anything. This belt here is because god gave me the opportunity. I knew she was a tough fighter. This fight proved why she was challenging me. This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I’m the new queen.”
There was a lot of frantic movement from Silva to start the fight while Wang was more measured in her striking approach. Silva’s speed was seemingly giving Wang trouble early before she slipped to the ground as the flyweights battled for position against the cage.
Silva was starting to settle into a rhythm as Wang tried to find a home for her striking combinations.
The speed from Silva paid off in the second round with a lightning quick head kick that rattled Wang before she dragged the fight to the ground. Wang was able to work her way back up to the feet but Silva was still outclassing her with a variety of attacks moving into the third round.
Another kick from Silva took Wang off her feet momentarily as her confidence seemingly swelled in almost every exchange. Wang did manage to throw some solid body kicks but she just wasn’t catching up to Silva’s overall workrate.
Silva continued her attacks with a series of kicks, going low to the legs and then back to the body. Wang attempted to slow her down with a clinch but Silva circled to escape and the fighters reset in the center of the octagon.
With five minutes remaining, Wang knew she likely needed a finish to get the win but Silva didn’t back down as the flyweights engaged again. Wang did manage to catch Silva with stiff left hook and she kept coming after her as time ticked away.
It just wasn’t enough and the fight ended with Silva ahead on the scorecards as she wins the flyweight title and now inevitably awaits the chance to solidify her claim when Valentina Shevchenko is healthy and ready to compete again.
