Natalia Silva had barely been crowned UFC flyweight champion before Valentina Shevchenko put her on notice.
Enjoy the belt. But keep it warm.
The Brazilian claimed the vacant title with a unanimous decision victory over Wang Cong at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Sunday (AEST), extending her unbeaten run inside the Octagon to nine fights.
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But while Silva celebrated the biggest win of her career, the division’s former champ was already talking about taking the belt back.
“Well deserved, Natalia,” Shevchenko wrote on social media.
“Congratulations! … But don’t get too comfortable – keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt!”
Shevchenko vacated the flyweight title to deal with lingering injuries, opening the door for Silva and Wang to contest the belt at Delta Center.
Silva seized her opportunity, earning the judges’ verdict after five rounds against the Chinese contender.
The scorecards read 48–47, 48–47 and 49–46, completing a climb that had already seen Silva beat former UFC champions Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso and Rose Namajunas.
Her overall winning streak now stands at 15, stretching back to 2017.
The 29-year-old has been perfect since arriving in the UFC in 2022. Now, she has the belt to show for it.
Shevchenko, however, remains a formidable presence over the division she ruled across two championship reigns.
Other fighters were quick to react to Silva’s victory on Sunday.
“Congratulations New Champ @nataliasilvaufc,” posted Merab Davalishvilli.
“Ngl, the fight was pretty good,” wrote Diana Belbita
“48-47 Silva for me. I gave Wang the last two rounds but the fourth coulda gone either way,” posted Jillian DeCoursey.