16 days ago
Forbes Sep 5, 2026

UFC 332 Has A New Main Event, And A Champion Has Vacated

UFC 332, scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City, has a new main event featuring Natalia Silva versus Wang Cong for the vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship. This announcement was made official during the UFC Paris broadcast, setting a high-stakes fight as both competitors aim to capture their first UFC title. Silva holds an undefeated UFC record of 8-0, making this title bout a pivotal next step in her career, while Wang, ranked within the top 10, pursues the championship along with a chance at a sought-after rematch with former champion Valentina Shevchenko.

The vacancy of the women’s flyweight title comes after Valentina Shevchenko, a dominant fighter with 15-3-1 UFC record and three successful defenses in her second title reign, suffered an undisclosed injury that will sideline her for about a year. UFC officials have confirmed that Shevchenko will receive a title shot immediately upon her return, preserving her position in the division despite relinquishing the belt. This injury and subsequent vacancy have shifted the competitive landscape, creating a compelling storyline for UFC 332 and future events.

Both Silva and Wang bring strong credentials to this matchup. Silva, age 29, holds a professional record of 20-5-1 and has notable UFC victories including wins over Rose Namajunas and Alexa Grasso. Wang, whose age ranges between 32 and 34 by reports, carries a 10-1 MMA record and has compiled significant wins since her UFC debut in 2024. With Silva originally expected to face Shevchenko at UFC 332, Wang’s insertion as a replacement energizes the event, particularly given Wang’s aggressive rise in the division and her desire for a rematch against Shevchenko.

The UFC 332 card also features multiple competitive bouts across various weight classes, with fights like Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott and Rafael dos Anjos vs. Alexander Hernandez among others. Broadcast on Paramount+ and CBS, the event promises a blend of established talent and rising contenders. Shevchenko’s long-term absence positions UFC 332 as a pivotal moment for the women’s flyweight division, setting the stage for an intense championship showdown and intriguing narratives leading into 2027.

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