Valentina Shevchenko vs. Natalia Silva title fight reportedly set for UFC 332

It appears that UFC 332 will feature a major title fight. Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is expected to put her belt on the line against Natalia Silva at the event in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Oct. 3. While the Brazilian will have the biggest opportunity of her career, Shevchenko is set for her third title defense since regaining the belt in 2024.

The matchup was first reported by ESPN Brasil and is expected to serve as the co-main event, although the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.

Valentina Shevchenko Returns to Defend Flyweight Title

Shevchenko is one of the biggest stars in women's MMA. With more than a decade of competition in the UFC, the Kyrgyzstani fighter first became champion at UFC 231 in December 2018, when she defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk by unanimous decision. Shevchenko went on to defend her title seven consecutive times before losing to Alexa Grasso in 2023.

After their immediate rematch ended in a draw, Shevchenko regained her form, defeated Grasso in their trilogy fight and reclaimed the flyweight title. Since then, the champion has stepped into the Octagon twice, successfully defending her belt against Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili.

Natalia Silva Gets Title Shot

Meanwhile, Silva will get the biggest opportunity of her career so far. Since joining the UFC in 2022, the Brazilian has remained undefeated, winning all eight of her appearances in the promotion, including victories over three former champions in Jessica Andrade, Grasso and Rose Namajunas. Silva is currently riding a 14-fight winning streak, having won and defended the Jungle Fight flyweight title once before signing with the UFC.

For Silva, the matchup represents the culmination of an impressive run since joining the UFC, while Shevchenko will look to add another successful title defense to her legacy. With the women's flyweight championship on the line, the fight could be one of the highlights of UFC 332.