Shevchenko Warns Silva After UFC 332 Triumph

Valentina Shevchenko wasted no time putting new flyweight champion Natalia Silva on notice following UFC 332.

Silva claimed the vacant 125-pound title Saturday night at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, taking a unanimous decision over Wang Cong across five rounds. The belt opened up after Shevchenko vacated it to deal with lingering injuries, per MMA Fighting. But the former champion made clear on social media that her absence is temporary.

Shevchenko's Return Message To Silva

"Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations! It's my pleasure to know that UFC Champion's belt is now holding deserving martial artist—such as you are!" Shevchenko posted, according to BJ Penn.com. "But don't get too comfortable—keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt!"

Silva enters her title reign on a 15-fight win streak dating back to 2017 and is now 9-0 inside the octagon. Her most recent victory before Saturday came over Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 in January. Wang pushed hard late, sweeping rounds four and five on most media cards, but the Brazilian's speed and early control carried her to 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 verdicts.

Shevchenko owns nine successful defenses across two separate title reigns and will start as favourite when she challenges Silva. Henry Cejudo and Aaron Bronsteter noted during the broadcast that Silva's quickness was the difference early, though Cong landed cleaner shots down the stretch.

No timetable has been announced for Shevchenko's return to competition.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — ‘Don’t get too comfortable’: Valentina Shevchenko, pros react to Natalia Silva’s UFC 332 title triumph | MMA Fighting
• bjpenn.com — Pros react after Natalia Silva defeats Wang Cong at UFC 332: "Don't get too comfortable!" | BJPenn.com
• bjpenn.com — UFC 332 Results: Natalia Silva defeats Wang Cong (Highlights) | BJPenn.com