UFC 332 Picks: Silva Favored Over Wang for Flyweight Gold

Natalia Silva is the favorite over Wang Cong to become the UFC's fourth women's flyweight champion when the two meet for the vacant title in the UFC 332 main event Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Oddsmakers currently have Silva sitting around -205, with Wang the live underdog near +175. That number reflects a belt picture that has been unsettled since Valentina Shevchenko relinquished the title because of injury, clearing the path for Silva and Wang to fight for it outright.

Why Silva vs. Wang Decides a Vacant Belt

The UFC women's flyweight title has only had three owners since it was created in 2017. Nicco Montano won the inaugural title but never defended it before being stripped after a hospitalization during a weight cut. Valentina Shevchenko then dominated the division for years before Alexa Grasso dethroned her, with Grasso defending the belt just once, a draw in the pair's trilogy fight. Shevchenko's exit from the title picture due to injury is what opened the door for Silva and Wang to meet for the vacant strap, meaning Saturday's winner becomes just the fourth champion in the division's history.

Wang used fight week to needle Silva's style at weigh-ins, but that theater hasn't moved the line much. Most handicappers like Silva's versatility and output enough to install her as a clear betting favorite heading into fight night.

What Else Is on the Card

Payton Talbott meets former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the co-main event, a fight most see as a sharp step up in competition for the rising prospect. Former KSW double-champion Roberto Soldic makes his promotional debut against Khaos Williams, a matchup drawing heavy backing for Soldic given his finishing pedigree outside the UFC. Elsewhere on the main card, Ateba Gautier takes on Roman Kopylov and Esteban Ribovics faces King Green, formerly known as Bobby Green.

Betting Angle

Silva's position as a moderate favorite at roughly -205 makes sense given the volume and pace she's shown in recent flyweight outings, but a live dog near +175 in Wang is still a number worth respecting in a five-round title fight where durability and championship rounds can swing a card. Bettors leaning toward Soldic's debut should know it's the rare unanimous pick across the board, for whatever that consensus is worth against an opponent nobody expects to hand him an easy night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is favored to win UFC 332, Natalia Silva or Wang Cong?

Natalia Silva is the betting favorite over Wang Cong, with sportsbooks listing her around -205 to Wang's +175 ahead of their vacant UFC women's flyweight title fight at UFC 332.

Why is the UFC women's flyweight title vacant at UFC 332?

The title became vacant after Valentina Shevchenko gave it up due to injury, setting up Natalia Silva and Wang Cong to fight for it in the UFC 332 main event in Salt Lake City.

Who else is fighting on the UFC 332 main card?

The UFC 332 co-main event has Payton Talbott facing former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, while Roberto Soldic makes his UFC debut against Khaos Williams.