The UFC is set to make its return to Utah with UFC 332, presenting a decent fight card that, however, lacks a truly captivating main event. The headline bout features Natalia Silva facing Cong Wang for the newly vacant women’s flyweight championship. While this matchup feels thin as a main event, the remainder of the card promises exciting fights: bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott will test himself against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, King Green and Esteban Ribovics are primed for an action-packed clash, knockout specialist Roberto Soldic finally debuts in the UFC, and rising middleweight Ateba Abega Gautier aims for a signature victory against Roman Kopylov.
UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship
Natalia Silva (20-5-1) vs. Cong Wang (10-1)
Odds: Silva (-205), Wang (+170)
The fight between Silva and Wang struggles to generate the hype typical of title bouts as their matchup seems more intriguing on paper than as a spectacle, yet it promises to reveal much about the next women’s flyweight champion. Silva, who made her UFC debut in 2022 after a lengthy break from competition, quickly made an impression with her speed and movement, despite some tactical flaws such as opening herself up defensively and a puzzling wrestling approach against Tereza Bleda. Her January victory over former champion Rose Namajunas secured her title shot but also highlighted Silva’s hesitation against opponents who can control the distance, an issue that might have doomed her ambitions had reigning champ Valentina Shevchenko remained in the picture.
With Shevchenko vacating the belt, Cong Wang steps in as a somewhat unexpected challenger. Though she was relatively unknown before joining the UFC in 2024, Wang showcased her talent quickly, bouncing back from a shocking submission loss to Gabriella Fernandes with convincing wins over Eduarda Moura and Tracy Cortez. The “Joker” is a thoughtful and balanced fighter, navigating the range well and mixing aggression with patience, which could pose problems for Silva’s speed-based game. Both women will also be competing in their first five-round fight, adding an endurance and strategy element to the mix. While Silva’s experience might carry her through, Wang’s composure and range control make her a compelling candidate for the decision win.
Bantamweights
Deiveson Figueiredo (25-7-1) vs. Payton Talbott (11-1)
Odds: Talbott (-625), Figueiredo (+455)
Though not the flashiest matchup, this fight offers a valuable step for rising bantamweight Payton Talbott, whose 2026 arrival has been much anticipated. Talbott impressed early on with his relentless pace and pressure but demonstrated some vulnerabilities in early 2025 when Raoni Barcelos upset him with superior wrestling. However, Talbott quickly addressed his shortcomings with solid defensive improvements and a notable defeat of Henry Cejudo, showcasing a well-rounded game that integrates both striking and wrestling.
Facing the experienced former flyweight champion Figueiredo, now competing at bantamweight, poses a significant challenge. Figueiredo’s career peaked with a 2020 ‘Fighter of the Year’ run highlighted by powerful finishes and memorable bouts with Brandon Moreno, but diminished athleticism and pace issues have since limited his effectiveness. Despite his fight-ending power, he struggles to maintain the high pace required against modern opponents like Talbott. Thus, Talbott’s youth, conditioning, and tactical growth suggest he will dominate, likely securing a second-round stoppage.
Lightweights
King Green (36-17-1, 1 N/C) vs. Esteban Ribovics (16-3)
Odds: Ribovics (-250), Green (+205)
King Green’s 2026 revival is among the year’s best comeback stories, though his latest fight will be his sternest test in some time. Green’s journey has been marked by bad luck and injuries after a promising Strikeforce start, but since regaining health in 2020, he embraced the UFC spotlight by frequently stepping in and thrilling fans. After some ups and downs, including losses to Paddy Pimblett and Mauricio Ruffy, Green has regained momentum with wins over solid opponents, leading into this bout against Esteban Ribovics.
Ribovics, hailing from Argentina, gained attention with a gritty 2024 Fight of the Year contender and has built a reputation as a durable, pressure fighter who relies on his toughness over elegance. While Ribovics tends to thrive in attrition battles, he struggles against wrestlers and more skilled opponents. Green’s versatility – combining evasive striking and some wrestling – presents a stylistic challenge. This fight could be tough for Ribovics at times, but his resilience and youth may ultimately earn him a second-round knockout victory.
Welterweights
Roberto Soldic (21-4, 1 N/C) vs. Kalinn Williams (16-5)
Odds: Soldic (-325), Williams (+260)
Roberto Soldic finally makes his awaited UFC debut after establishing himself as a dominant two-division champion in Poland’s KSW and competing in One Championship with mixed results. Known as “Robocop,” Soldic is a powerful kickboxer with a penchant for one-punch finishes; however, his style carries risk and a chance of getting caught due to lower output and potential durability questions. His first UFC opponent, the heavy-handed Kalinn “Khaos” Williams, is a legitimate power puncher with quick stoppages to his name, making this a dangerous opening matchup.
Williams fights a simple yet effective aggressive style, hitting hard enough to end fights with a single strike, and has shown surprising durability. This will likely be a striking battle where Soldic’s skill and power will be tested against Williams’ knockout threat. Expect Soldic to use smarts and technique to edge out a hard-fought decision victory as he looks to mark his entry into the UFC.
Middleweights
Ateba Abega Gautier (11-1) vs. Roman Kopylov (15-5)
Odds: Gautier (-218), Kopylov (+180)
Ateba Abega Gautier emerges as one of the UFC’s top middleweight prospects, gradually climbing through the ranks while showing both raw power and a measured approach to fighting. After winning on the Contender Series in 2024, Gautier has steadily racked up victories without chasing finishes recklessly, maintaining control and composure in bouts like his recent decision over Andrey Pulyaev. Though he has some skills to refine, his thoughtful pressure and athleticism have positioned him well for this challenging showdown against Roman Kopylov.
Kopylov came into the UFC with high volume striking but struggled initially due to visa troubles and injuries, appearing underwhelming at times. He found a rhythm with improved power and confidence, winning six of seven fights between 2022 and 2025. Despite setbacks against elite middleweights like Paulo Costa and Gregory Rodrigues, Kopylov bounced back with a recent win. However, Gautier’s youth and strength should give him an edge, likely earning him a hard-fought decision.
Fan Take:
UFC 332 may lack an electrifying main event, but the card offers intriguing prospects and high-stakes matchups that could shape the future of multiple divisions. Fighters like Payton Talbott and Ateba Abega Gautier represent the evolving landscape of MMA talent, where speed, technical growth, and tactical intelligence are redefining what it takes to succeed at the highest level. This event is a must-watch for fans eager to spot the sport’s next generation of stars.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
