Natalia Silva Eyes Historic Brazilian Sweep of UFC Women's Championships

Natalia Silva has her eyes on more than the flyweight gold on Saturday. The Brazilian is confident her country can hold all three women's titles before 2026 comes to a close.

Natalia Silva Backs Brazil to Hold All Women's Titles

Brazil's 'Lioness' Amanda Nunes is scheduled to return to the Octagon at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 to reclaim her bantamweight crown from Kayla Harrison. Silva will go toe-to-toe against Wang Cong in Salt Lake City, Utah, this Saturday for the 125-lb belt.

With Mackenzie Dern already hailing the strawweight title, Brazil is on the verge of a massive historic moment, and the flyweight believes it's only a matter of time before the country unifies the titles.

“I really believe in that,” Silva told MMA Fighting. "Three Brazilian champions at the same time would be a milestone in history. It would be a milestone, a historic moment for women’s and Brazilian MMA.”

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This conviction isn't unfounded, however. With a clean 8-0 slate in the UFC and wins over three former champions, Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas, Silva's title shot comes as little surprise. 

Moreover, ahead of the Salt Lake City bout, the 29-year-old stayed and trained for a month in Mexico to adjust to the high-altitude conditions. Clearly, Silva isn't taking Wang Cong lightly, and the national milestone dotting the clash has only amplified the tensions. 

The flyweight No. 1 contender also addressed the legitimacy of the vacant title fight at UFC 332.

Valentina Shevchenko Or Not, Silva Vies For Undisputed Status

The top 125-lbs contender was initially planned to fight flyweight great Valentina Shevchenko for the belt. However, after an injury forced the latter to withdraw and later relinquish the title, Wang Cong entered the picture. Natalia Silva believes that doesn't diminish her title victory. 

“Whether it’s by beating Valentina or not, if I win the title, I’m the undisputed champion," Silva added. "I was prepared to fight her; I wanted to fight her. If she got injured and couldn’t be there, that’s out of my hands."

The Brazilian remains open to the possibility of a future clash with Shevchenko. But for the time being, she's focused on fulfilling her long-time ambition.

"Ever since I arrived, that little girl from Minas Gerais, quietly working her way up and saying, ‘Guys, I came here to be a champion,'" the No. 1 contender explained. “On Saturday, I’m just going to show that to the world."

With both the flyweight title and a part of the Brazilian women's title scene on her shoulders, Natalia Silva definitely has a lot to fight for on Saturday.