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This is the UFC 332 live update covering the vacant flyweight title clash between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, happening Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Silva, with a pro record of 20-5-1, is undefeated in the UFC with an 8-0 run and has won her last 14 fights overall. She’s established herself as the top contender at 125 pounds and sits at No. 6 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings. After earning wins over former champions Rose Namajunas, Alexa Grasso, and Jessica Andrade via decision, Silva was hoping for a title shot against the long-time flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. However, Shevchenko relinquished the belt due to ongoing injuries, meaning Silva now faces Wang for the vacant belt.
Wang, holding a 10-1 record, stepped into the UFC in 2024 drawing attention thanks to her strong kickboxing background, which includes a 2015 victory over Shevchenko. She’s been on a four-fight winning streak, raising her profile, with her latest win against Tracy Cortez at UFC 329.
Scroll down for continued live coverage of Silva vs. Wang at UFC 332.
Intro
For the first time in nearly eight years, the women’s flyweight title will change hands from Valentina Shevchenko. Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, dismiss the critics—this is your opportunity, and a UFC title is a UFC title.
Odds Update
As the fighters make their entrances, Silva is heavily favored at nearly -200 odds, while Wang is the underdog at +166 (according to FanDuel).
Round 1
Referee Marc Goddard is overseeing the bout.
Wang opens with a jab, dodging a Silva counter. Both fighters engage in plenty of feints and footwork early on. Wang lands an overhand right that just grazes Silva. Silva responds with a sharp flurry that unsettles Wang, then lands a checking left hook. Wang appears to struggle with Silva’s speed. Silva keeps Wang pressed with another checking left. Wang throws a good jab but fails to dodge Silva’s checks. Silva catches a kick and pushes Wang down but can’t capitalize much. Against the cage, Silva tests Wang’s takedown defense, controlling the action but with minimal damage. Silva lands a short elbow as they separate. Wang counters with a leg kick and a left, but Silva fires back and wins the exchanges overall. Clear round for Silva.
MMA Fighting scores Round 1, 10-9 Silva.
Round 2
Wang targets Silva’s leg again, her most effective weapon, and throws lunging punches that miss. Wang lands a left hook, while Silva adds leg kicks. The crowd grows restless with the strategic pace until Silva delivers a beautiful combination ending with a high kick that causes a knockdown! Wang recovers quickly and clinches against the fence.
Silva pursues grappling, dragging Wang down with two minutes left. Silva remains heavy in Wang’s half guard while landing ground strikes. Wang manages to stand up and defend another takedown attempt. Neither fighter gains momentum on the feet, and Silva executes an impressive spinning kick Wang anticipates. Wang looks a step slow moving forward.
MMA Fighting scores Round 2, 10-9 Silva. Overall score: 20-18 Silva.
Round 3
Silva starts strong with a combination, smiling confidently. Her quick high kick forces Wang to respond. Wang lands a solid 1-2 punch, with potentially fight-altering power. Silva counters with a glancing right and a push kick, off-balancing Wang. Wang tries to press, but Silva’s counters keep Wang at bay.
Silva lands a low kick to the lead leg; Wang connects with a right hand but can’t follow up. Silva lands a quirky high kick that connects. Left-hand exchanges pick up as Wang tries to apply pressure. Silva scores a hard leg kick; Wang answers in kind. Wang swings big but Silva largely avoids damage. A counter combination from Silva ends the round. Though the action is closer this round, Silva retains the edge.
MMA Fighting scores Round 3, 10-9 Silva. Total: 30-27 Silva.
Round 4
Silva lands a sharp leg kick early. Wang looks for angles, coming off a near big finish in Round 3. In close quarters, Silva backs Wang up with a left hand and clinches whenever Wang ducks in. Wang lands a left hook followed by a strong right, seemingly winning this round.
Wang corners Silva against the cage multiple times, while Silva slips out effectively. Wang presses with front kicks and punches. The round’s pace is steady though not explosive, with Wang doing more. Silva lands two good punches when they separate. Wang kicks the body and attempts a spinning elbow, missing part of it. Silva quickly counters with a takedown, earns an elbow inside, a left hook, and a spin kick to the body. Wang lands a left hook to close the action. Wang claims this round.
MMA Fighting scores Round 4, 10-9 Wang. Overall: 39-37 Silva.
Round 5
Wang opens with a heavy low kick and initiates clinches. They wrestle against the fence before returning to striking distance. Silva lands a left hand; Wang counters with a right. The fight remains competitive and unresolved as Wang continues to press forward. Wang muscles Silva against the cage, a potentially risky tactic. Both fighters look to make a definitive statement this closing round.
Fan Take:
This matchup matters because it marks a pivotal moment in women’s flyweight history, ending Shevchenko’s long reign and crowning a new champion. For fight fans, it signals the division’s competitive evolution and sets up fresh rivalries that could elevate the sport’s excitement and legitimacy.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
