'Want to be...': Natalia Silva reveals what’s next after winning title at UFC 332, sends clear message to flyweight division

Natalia Silva has finally won the UFC championship, but the fresh champion doesn’t want to spend too much time savoring her success. After her win against Wang Cong in the UFC 332 main event, Silva made it obvious that the victory in the vacant 125-pound championship was just the start of the journey. Now the Brazilian girl is eager to consolidate her victory, stay active in the ring, and fight with the best competitors of the weight class – a signal for everyone who wants to fight with her.

NATALIA SILVA WANTS TO BE AN 'ACTIVE CHAMPION'

Silva captured the vacant women’s flyweight championship with a unanimous-decision victory over Wang at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the five-round contest 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47 in Silva’s favor, extending her winning streak to 15 fights. But Silva is already thinking about what comes next.



Speaking after her championship victory, Silva said she has no intention of becoming a champion who rarely puts the belt on the line. As reported by MMA Junkie, the Brazilian wants to stay busy and is ready for whatever challenger the UFC puts in front of her.

"I want to be an active champion. There is no point in being a title holder if you don't put it out for a defense and you're not active," Silva said, during the UFC 332 post-fight press conference, as quoted by MMA Junkie.

"My intention is for people - first of all, this is my moment, this is my time, it's time for people to see who I am as a title holder and a champion that puts her title on the line and defends it as much as possible."



Silva weathered Wang’s stronger showing in the championship rounds and did enough over five rounds to leave the Delta Center as champion. It was Silva's ninth consecutive UFC victory - longest win streak in women's flyweight history - keeping her unbeaten inside the Octagon.

FLYWEIGHT CHALLENGERS ARE ALREADY LINING UP

Silva may not be naming her preferred first challenger, but the flyweight division already offers several intriguing possibilities. According to HEAVY, former champion Alexa Grasso has been identified as a likely option. Silva defeated Grasso at UFC 315 in May 2025, but Grasso has since responded with consecutive victories over Maycee Barber and Manon Fiorot, putting herself back in the championship conversation.

Erin Blanchfield could also emerge as a contender depending on the outcome of her upcoming fight against Jasmine Jasudavicius, reported the outlet.



Then there is Valentina Shevchenko. The former champion vacated the title because of injury, but she wasted little time congratulating - and warning - her successor. HEAVY reported that Shevchenko told Silva not to get 'too comfortable' because she intends to return for the belt.

"First of all, there's many, many great girls out there and tough opponents," Silva said.

"But, I'm not one to name names here. This is not the time to name names. It's the time for me to celebrate. I just won this, fresh off, I want to enjoy this moment."

Silva, however, appears ready for the challenge. After chasing UFC gold for years, her message is simple: she plans on defending it rather than just wearing it.