Valentina Shevchenko Fires Warning at New UFC Champion Natalia Silva

Natalia Silva had only had UFC gold  for a short time before Valentina Shevchenko announced her intentions. Soon after defeating Wang Cong, with a new women's flyweight belt at UFC 332, the newly appointed champion congratulated her successor before warning her that she plans to reclaim the belt.

Shevchenko Congratulates Silva Before Sending Warning 

Silva captured the vacant UFC Women's Flyweight Championship as she registered a unanimous decision victory against Wang in the UFC 332 main event on Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the five-round contest 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in the Brazilian's favor, thus securing her a 15-fight win streak and a 9-0 UFC record.

Shevchenko was scheduled to defend the belt against Silva before succumbing to an injury that forced her to pull out of the fight and vacate the championship. This allowed Silva and Wang to vie for the vacant title, with Silva ultimately registering the win.

Following her victory, Shevchenko took to X to congratulate the Brazilian while making it clear that the story was far from over.

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 ! 👊 But don't get too comfortable— keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt ! 😉💪🏆 #UFC332 @nataliasilvaufc

— Valentina The Bullet Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) October 4, 2026

"Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations!" Shevchenko posted. "It's my pleasure to know that the UFC Champion's belt is now holding deserving martial artist -such as you are!"

However, her hearty congratulations were quickly followed by a warning that grabbed attention. 

"But don't get too comfortable- keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt!"

Silva Could Face The Former Champion Next 

Shevchenko's post announces the potential for a major championship showdown in the future whenever she is medically cleared to return. The fighter was expected to face Silva before the former champion's injury forced the title to become vacant, so the rivalry has the potential to develop into an intriguing feud in the future. 

Silva has already managed to beat several champions, including Jessica Andrade, Rose Namajunas, and Alexa Grasso, with her 9-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC. Her recent win over Wang also established her as an undisputed champion following Shevchenko's sudden departure.

For now, Silva can bask in the glory of becoming the new queen of the 125-pound division. But Shevchenko's post suggests that she is eager to return and continue her reign as the champion.