Natalia Silva defends UFC flyweight title and responds to Valentina Shevchenko
Natalia Silva won the vacant UFC women's flyweight championship in Utah and addressed Valentina Shevchenko's comments, saying she plans to defend the belt early next year against top contenders.
Natalia Silva captured the vacant UFC women’s flyweight championship with a unanimous decision in Utah, improving her record to 9-0. The title had been vacated after Valentina Shevchenko withdrew due to injury.
Shevchenko posted a message congratulating Silva and warning that she intends to reclaim the belt. Silva replied, stating that the championship now belongs to her and that she will protect it, adding that she does not need to focus on Shevchenko’s return.
Silva said she wants to fight frequently, noting she has avoided injuries and wishes to capitalize on her youth. She indicated she hopes to make a title defense in the first half of 2027 and mentioned potential challengers such as Alexa Grasso and Erin Blanchfield, while leaving the door open for any qualified opponent.
The Brazilian champion also expressed a desire to fight in front of her home crowd, saying a UFC event in Brazil would be a dream for her and her fans.