Wang Cong Reflects on Valentina Shevchenko Fight Ahead of UFC 332 Title Shot
Wang Cong reflects on her 2015 win over Valentina Shevchenko as she prepares for her UFC 332 title fight with Natalia Silva.
Just days away from the biggest fight opportunity of her MMA career, Wang Cong, the UFC 332 headliner, served up her memorable history with former champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Cong was highlighted in the build-up to her vacant flyweight title fight against Natalia Silva, but the UFC 332 fighter has also had a four-fight UFC winning streak to set up her shot at the belt. The Chinese fighter won the 2015 kickboxing clash with Shevchenko by unanimous decision, and the win set her up to earn her championship opportunity.
Wang Cong Breaks Down Her Fight With Shevchenko
The UFC's "PURE WILLPOWER" video revisits Cong's bout with Shevchenko, a fight that, to date, remains an important part of her combat sports story.
She previously talked about the experience being more than simply defeating a future UFC champ. Reflecting on their history together, she said, "You guys only know I beat Shevchenko in kickboxing." She went on to discuss her accomplishments across multiple disciplines.
"But you don't know I'm a sambo world champion, a boxing world champion, and a kickboxing world champion," Cong said.
In a recent Instagram video posted by UFC, Cong recalled her 2015 bout with Shevchenko. She said, "She defended her title twice, and no one could defeat her. I just felt I could beat her," Cong recalls.
"Even to this day, she's the toughest fighter I've ever faced. But now, when I look back on that fight, I realize it was purely willpower."
Their 2015 bout took place under the Kunlun Fight banner in China, with Cong winning by unanimous decision. Shevchenjo later entered the UFC to eventually become one of the most accomplished women's MMA fighters.
Cong remains confident about how a potential MMA rematch would play out. "I believe my striking is better than her," she once said. "If she takes the fight, (I can beat her) any time."
Wang Cong's Striking Could Be Key Against Natalia Silva
In a recent Instagram video posted by Belal Muhammad, he discusses a matchup by focusing on how Natalia Silva can neutralize Cong's biggest weapon: her pressure and boxing. Over the years, Cong has developed a reputation for pressure, boxing combinations, and volume. As per UFC statistics, she lands 6.82 significant strikes per minute, while her 58.2% significant-strike accuracy ranks first in the division.
Muhammad suggests Sikva use her movement and distance control to avoid getting drawn into a prolonged striking exchange. By making Cong constantly change angles, Silve may be able to force her opponent to reset.
UFC coach Eddie Barraco highlights Silva's speed, unpredictability, and movement, describing Cong as a fighter bringing strong boxing, pressure, and volume.
