Brazil's Natalia Silva, 29, extended her winning streak to 15 fights at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, beating Wang Cong by unanimous decision after five rounds to claim the vacant women's flyweight title. The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46. The belt was up for grabs after former champion Valentina Shevchenko relinquished it because of shoulder and back injuries. Shevchenko was quick to react to the Brazilian's impressive victory on social media. "Well deserved, Natalia! Congratulations!... But don't get too comfortable — keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt!" she wrote.
The new champion, for her part, said a title means little unless it is defended regularly, and called for a quick return to the Octagon. The UFC is expected to monitor Shevchenko's recovery before deciding on the date and line-up of the next title fight.
