Wang Cong Calls Natalia Silva Toughest Test Yet

Wang Cong says Natalia Silva is the toughest opponent of her UFC career heading into their vacant women's flyweight title fight at UFC 332 in Utah, but she's predicting she'll finish the Brazilian anyway.

"I think my opponent Natalia, is the toughest I've ever faced in the UFC. Her ranking say's it all. She's great at managing distance and kicking. When it comes to her legwork i think she's particularly smart," Cong said on the UFC 332 Countdown.

The flyweight title fight fell into place after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt because of injury, clearing the path for Cong and Silva to headline for the vacant strap. Cong walks in as the betting underdog against a fighter widely regarded as one of the division's most awkward stylistic puzzles, but she isn't backing off her striking pedigree.

Why Wang Cong Thinks She Outstrikes Natalia Silva

Cong's entire game plan hinges on out-boxing a kicker who has made a career of frustrating bigger names with range and leg attacks. "Whatever she does, I can adapt. So I will definitely outstrike her on the feet. I think I control the fight better. I'm calmer and more composed," Cong said. That's a notable claim given Silva's reputation for distance management, and it tells you Cong plans to close the gap and turn this into a boxing match rather than let Silva pick her apart from range. Cong added that if Silva "gives me an opening, I'll definitely finish her," signaling she's not planning to play it safe for a decision.

Wang Cong's Path to a Title Shot

Cong arrives at UFC 332 off the best win of her career, a decision over Tracy Cortez that pushed her into title contention at 125 pounds. She carries a 10-1 record overall and sits at 5-1 inside the Octagon, a run that's made her one of the division's fastest-rising names even as she remains the underdog on paper against Silva's ranking and experience.

Betting Angle

Underdogs who talk finishes before a title fight usually get discounted by the market, and that's likely the case here given Silva's status as the favorite. But Cong's confidence isn't empty bravado, she's calling out the exact matchup problem, Silva's kicking range, and saying she has a plan to close it. Bettors weighing live-round or method markets should watch how Cong handles the first exchanges. If she's walking Silva down and landing clean early, that finish prediction stops looking like a throwaway soundbite and starts looking live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Wang Cong fighting at UFC 332?

Wang Cong is fighting Natalia Silva for the vacant UFC women's flyweight title at UFC 332 in Utah.

Why is the UFC flyweight title vacant heading into UFC 332?

The title became vacant after Valentina Shevchenko gave it up due to injury, setting up Wang Cong versus Natalia Silva to headline for the belt.

What is Wang Cong's UFC record?

Wang Cong is 10-1 as a professional and 5-1 inside the UFC, with her most recent win coming by decision over Tracy Cortez.