LAS VEGAS — China's Wang Cong enters her first UFC title fight this Saturday, headlining UFC 332 against Natalia Silva for the belt recently vacated by Valentina Shevchenko due to injury. The main event has been heavily criticized due to the lack of star power involved, but Wang carries a notable history into the matchup, holding a win over Shevchenko from the pair's kickboxing days.
That victory came over a decade ago, with Shevchenko joining the UFC and converting to MMA full time in her very next fight. Wang, now 10-1 overall, made the jump to MMA in 2023 and has risen quickly, going 5-1 in the promotion and coming off a victory over Tracy Cortez. There is no surprise in that quick ascent, she explained during Wednesday's UFC 332 media day. "It's my team's expectation. I don't feel surprised," Wang stated via translator.
Nor is there any debate in her mind that she and Silva are the best strikers in the women's flyweight division. "Of course," stated Wang, forgoing her translator. Silva is notable for her use of side kicks, and Wang acknowledged the challenge. "I've faced similar opponents when you talk about movement and quickness on the feet," she said, adding that "she will be the first opponent I have to rely that heavily on the kicks." On critics of the matchup, Wang was direct: "this fight is definitely going to be exciting. We will use our performance to shut them up."
Shevchenko's name has been brought up endlessly ahead of the fight, given the pair's history and "Bullet" having dropped the belt due to injury to pave the way for Wang to face Silva. The Chinese contender admitted she's been "hearing her name the whole time" this week, adding she's "probably going to have dreams about her." If victorious Saturday, she may also have a date with Shevchenko when the now ex-champ returns, with Silva entering the bout as Natalia Silva confident Brazil will hold all UFC women's titles has outlined her own championship ambitions.