Natalia Silva is the new UFC women’s flyweight champion after beating Wang Cong by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.
The Brazilian took the vacant title on scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46, UFC.com reported, closing out a record-setting night at the Delta Center on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT).
Silva used varied striking and movement to build an early lead, before Wang found more success in the championship rounds. UFC.com said Silva still controlled enough of the exchanges to take the decision and move to 9-0 inside the Octagon, becoming the fifth champion in women’s flyweight history and the fourth woman to hold the belt.
Bloody Elbow reported Silva dropped Wang with a high kick in the second round and that Wang needed a late finish that did not come. Official scorecards are also posted on UFC.com.
Talbott stops Figueiredo in the co-main
Payton Talbott stopped former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo by TKO (strikes) at 2:09 of round one, UFC.com confirmed. Talbott dropped Figueiredo early with a right hand, then finished him along the fence after an elbow started the closing sequence. It was Talbott’s first fight in about 10 months, and UFC.com said he called for a bout with Sean O’Malley afterwards.
Record KO night before the title fight
Before the main event, UFC.com said the card had already set records for the most first-round finishes (8) and most total knockouts (11) in UFC history. Esteban Ribovics stopped King Green by TKO (strikes) at 4:08 of round one after multiple knockdowns. Roberto Soldić, making his UFC debut, beat Khaos Williams by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27). Roman Kopylov opened the main card by stopping Ateba Gautier by TKO (strikes) at 3:12 of round one.
What it means
The women’s flyweight belt was vacant after Valentina Shevchenko was sidelined by injury. Silva, ranked No. 1 entering the bout per UFC.com, now sits atop the division. UFC.com said Wang gave a solid account of herself and should remain in the championship mix.
TSB’s preview of the vacant-title fight is here.
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