The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Salt Lake City, Utah, with UFC 332 taking place tonight (Saturday, October 3, 2026). The event is headlined by a highly debated women’s Flyweight title bout featuring Natalia Silva versus Wang Cong. The co-main event promises an exciting Bantamweight clash between former champion Deiveson Figueiredo and rising contender Payton Talbott.
Event Highlights:
UFC 332, titled “Silva vs. Wang,” showcases the vacant women’s Flyweight championship fight as the main event. The card begins at 4 p.m. ET with preliminary fights streaming on Paramount+, followed by the main card airing on CBS at 10 p.m. ET. The venue for the event is the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. For fans interested in wagering, current betting odds are available, and live updates can be found through online UFC coverage.
The Silva vs. Wang matchup was met with criticism after former champion Valentina Shevchenko had to withdraw due to a major injury, relinquishing her title in the process. Silva, ranked No. 1 in the division and undefeated in her last 14 fights with an 8-0 UFC record, now faces Wang Cong, who comes in on a four-fight win streak but is ranked No. 6. While some argued that contenders with higher profiles, like Alexa Grasso or Erin Blanchfield, should have replaced Shevchenko, UFC matchmakers selected Cong, who has yet to prove herself against the elite competition Silva has faced.
Changes to the Card and Newcomers:
Shevchenko’s unfortunate injury reshaped the card, paving the way for Cong to step in as Silva’s opponent. Bernardo Sopaj also pulled out, giving UFC newcomer Anthony Romero a chance to debut against Marcus McGhee. Romero, riding a two-fight win streak, boasts an impressive finishing rate, while McGhee holds a solid 5-1 UFC record.
Another promising newcomer, Lucas Armand, enters the organization undefeated and will clash with Anthony Wint, who is also on a hot streak after winning his UFC debut. Bruce Whitehead makes his UFC debut on short notice against highly touted prospect Jacobe Smith, who remains unbeaten at 12-0 and undefeated in the UFC at 3-0.
Preliminary Card Overview:
The undercard contains several notable fighters, including Marvin Vettori, Rafael dos Anjos, Johnny Walker, and Alexander Hernandez. Heavyweight Johnny Walker attempts to rebound after recent losses, facing Mick Parkin. Dos Anjos, currently struggling with form, takes on Hernandez, looking to reclaim momentum. Key fights also include Court McGee versus Eric Nolan—both fighters needing wins to avoid possible release from the UFC—and Andrey Pulyaev battling Damian Pinas, who is on a six-fight winning streak.
Fighters in Need of Wins:
Marvin Vettori desperately seeks to snap a four-fight losing skid; a defeat tonight could signal the end of his UFC career. He faces Ismail Naurdiev, who has performed well in his UFC tenure. This bout could be pivotal for both men’s futures in the organization.
Co-Main Event Breakdown:
The co-main event features former Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo trying to halt a two-fight losing streak against the talented rising prospect Payton Talbott. Figueiredo’s recent losses were to some of the division’s best, while Talbott has impressed since his UFC debut, aiming to prove he’s ready for the big stage by defeating a former titleholder.
Additional Notable Bouts:
King Green enters the cage riding a four-fight winning streak and looks to break into the Top 15 against Esteban Ribovics. Khaos Williams, fresh off a first-round knockout, faces UFC newcomer Roberto Soldic, a Croatian knockout artist with championship experience in other organizations. Rising star Ateba Abega Gautier battles Roman Kopylov, who has shown inconsistency but looks to regain form.
Full UFC 332 Fight Card:
Main Event on CBS:
- 125 lbs: Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong (Vacant Flyweight Title)
Main Card on CBS (10 p.m. ET):
- 135 lbs: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott
- 185 lbs: Ateba Gautier vs. Roman Kopylov
- 155 lbs: King Green vs. Esteban Ribovics
- 170 lbs: Khaos Williams vs. Roberto Soldic
Late Prelims on Paramount+ (6 p.m. ET):
- 265 lbs: Johnny Walker vs. Mick Parkin
- 125 lbs: Imanol Rodríguez vs. Alden Coria
- 185 lbs: Damian Pinas vs. Andrey Pulyaev
- 170 lbs: Court McGee vs. Eric Nolan
Early Prelims on Paramount+ (4 p.m. ET):
- 185 lbs: Marvin Vettori vs. Ismail Naurdiev
- 155 lbs: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Alexander Hernandez
- 135 lbs: Marcus McGhee vs. Anthony Romero
- 265 lbs: Anthony Wint vs. Lucas Armand
- 170 lbs: Jacobe Smith vs. Bruce Whitehead
Note: Fight card and order may be subject to change.
Enjoy the action tonight, and for the latest news and full event coverage, check out our dedicated UFC 332 archive.
Fan Take: UFC 332 carries significant weight for fans as it highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport with last-minute changes shaking up the title scene. This event could serve as a pivotal turning point, particularly for rising prospects like Wang Cong and Payton Talbott, while also determining the longevity of veterans such as Marvin Vettori and Rafael dos Anjos, underscoring both the sport’s competitive spirit and its ever-evolving landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

