Natalia Silva hits back at Valentina Shevchenko after the former champion told the new titleholder to keep her belt warm.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight division has a fiery new rivalry as Brazilian standout Natalia Silva responds sharply to former titleholder Valentina Shevchenko regarding the undisputed championship status.
Following an injury that forced Shevchenko to relinquish the 125-pound title, Silva captured the championship belt by defeating Wang Cong, leading to comments from Shevchenko about keeping the hardware warm.
Addressing the remarks directly, Silva dismissed the notion of holding a placeholder title and expressed her desire to stay active, according to information published by mmamania.
Natalia Silva Claims the Flyweight Belt Is Hers
New womens flyweight champion Natalia Silva made it clear that she views the championship as entirely her own rather than a temporary loan from the absent Valentina Shevchenko.
The Brazilian fighter criticized Shevchenko for her historical fighting frequency, noting that the former champion often competed only once a year before offering advice on keeping the belt warm.
Active Schedule Versus Sideline Commentary
Unlike her predecessor, Natalia Silva stated that she wants to fight as quickly and frequently as possible to take full advantage of her youth and current momentum inside the UFC.
Having emerged from recent bouts without injuries, the new titleholder is eager to step back into the Octagon rather than sit on the sidelines waiting for specific opponents.
Focus on Title Defenses and Rankings
When considering her next steps, Natalia Silva emphasized that she is no longer solely focused on Valentina Shevchenko, prioritizing instead the division rankings and deserving contenders.
Whether her next title defense comes against Shevchenko or top contender Alexa Grasso, Silva maintains that her main responsibility as champion is simply defending the belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new UFC womens flyweight champion?
Natalia Silva is the new womens flyweight champion after defeating Wang Cong for the title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Why did Valentina Shevchenko relinquish her UFC title?
Valentina Shevchenko was forced to relinquish her 125-pound championship belt due to an injury, which created an opening for a new titleholder.
What did Valentina Shevchenko say to Natalia Silva?
Valentina Shevchenko sent a message to the new champion telling her to keep her belt warm until she returns from injury.
Who might Natalia Silva fight in her next title defense?
Natalia Silva stated that her next opponent could be Valentina Shevchenko, top contender Alexa Grasso, or another deserving athlete from the UFC flyweight rankings.
