Shevchenko Vacates UFC Flyweight Title

Valentina Shevchenko has vacated the UFC women's flyweight title after suffering an undisclosed injury expected to sideline her for roughly a year, the UFC announced Saturday during the UFC Paris broadcast.

Shevchenko's second title reign ends without a loss, closing out with a decision win over Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in November. Her run also included a rematch win over Alexa Grasso and a defense against Manon Fiorot.

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The vacancy fills a gap atop the UFC 332 card, with Natalia Silva (20-5-1) now set to face Wang Cong (10-1) for the vacant title in the October 3 main event at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Silva enters unbeaten across eight UFC appearances, with wins over former champions Rose Namajunas, Grasso and Jessica Andrade. Wang, riding a four-fight win streak, has a personal history with Shevchenko dating back to a 2015 kickboxing win over her — a rivalry that resurfaced publicly earlier this year when Wang accused Shevchenko of avoiding a joint fan appearance.

Whoever wins in Salt Lake City becomes the division's first new champion since Shevchenko reclaimed the belt in 2024.