UFC 332 Gets New Interim Title Fight After Shevchenko Injury
The UFC is reportedly planning an interim women's flyweight title bout between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong to headline UFC 332. The original matchup between Silva and champion Valentina Shevchenko fell through due to Shevchenko's injury. Shevchenko had tied Amanda Nunes for the most women's title fight wins in UFC history.
The interim title bout would mark a significant shift for UFC 332, which currently lacks marquee matchups beyond this rumored headliner. Silva, riding a lengthy winning streak as the division's top contender, was originally slated to challenge Shevchenko before the champion's injury derailed those plans. Wang Cong, ranked sixth, brings a notable history against Shevchenko, having defeated her in kickboxing competition a decade ago. Cong's UFC run includes a quick knockout victory and a submission win, though she also suffered an upset loss before rebounding with four consecutive victories. Dana White has indicated the official main event announcement will arrive this week.
This development could reshape the flyweight division's immediate landscape, as an interim title creates a mandatory unification bout once Shevchenko recovers. Fans may view the interim belt as a consolation prize rather than a true championship, potentially diminishing the event's drawing power. However, it also offers Silva and Cong a career-defining opportunity on short notice, which could elevate their profiles significantly. The situation may influence how the UFC schedules title fights around injury-prone champions, though such decisions ultimately rest with matchmakers and medical staff.