Silva Claims Vacant Flyweight Title as UFC 332 Debuts on CBS

Key points

• Natalia Silva won the vacant women’s flyweight title against Wang Cong at UFC 332 on October 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City.
• The event was the first UFC main card to air on CBS, with prelims streaming on Paramount+.
• Valentina Shevchenko vacated the title due to back and shoulder injuries, leading to the Silva vs. Cong matchup.
• Silva, 29, has an 8-0 record in the UFC and a 14-fight winning streak; Cong, 10-1, is the most accurate striker in flyweight history.
• Ticket sales were poor, with seats available for under $100 on fight day, despite the numbered event status.
• Other notable bouts included Payton Talbott’s TKO of Deiveson Figueiredo and Roberto Soldic’s UFC debut against Khaos Williams.

Background

UFC 332 was originally expected to feature Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title, but she withdrew due to injury, leaving the belt vacant. This prompted criticism over the legitimacy of the title bout and the event’s numbered status. Paulo Costa had proposed an interim light heavyweight title to salvage the card, but the UFC rejected the idea. The event also followed a period of uncertainty for Costa, who was approaching the end of his contract and had a torn ACL sidelined Carlos Ulberg.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie and UFC.com emphasized the competitive nature of the Silva vs. Cong bout, highlighting Silva’s speed and Cong’s striking accuracy. Rolling Stone focused on the streaming logistics and the fighters’ backgrounds, noting Silva’s taekwondo roots and Cong’s kickboxing training. Our archive noted that ticket sales were weak, with seats available for under $100 on fight day, despite the historic CBS broadcast. Some analysts questioned the legitimacy of the 'undisputed' title given Shevchenko’s absence, while others praised the strong undercard, including fights for King Green and Soldic. The sources generally agreed on the significance of the title change but differed on the event’s overall value, with some viewing it as a hollow numbered card and others as a strong showcase for rising fighters.

Why it matters

The bout established a new women’s flyweight champion in a division that had been dominated by Valentina Shevchenko. The event’s move to CBS marked a significant shift in UFC’s broadcast strategy, aiming to reach a broader audience. However, the weak ticket sales and debate over the title’s legitimacy raised questions about the event’s impact and the UFC’s ability to fill numbered cards without marquee names. The outcome also set the stage for future title challenges, with Silva now positioned as the division’s top contender.

What to watch

Natalia Silva will likely face a title defense in the next numbered event, potentially against a top-ranked contender. Wang Cong may seek a rematch or a step up in competition. The UFC will likely monitor ticket sales and broadcast ratings to assess the impact of the CBS debut. Other fighters on the card, such as Payton Talbott and Roberto Soldic, may receive further opportunities based on their performances.