Valentina Shevchenko is vacating the UFC women's flyweight championship due to undisclosed injuries that will keep her sidelined for up to a year, the promotion announced Saturday.
As a result, Natalia Silva and Wang Cong will square off for the undisputed title in the UFC 332 main event on Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Shevchenko hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a dominant win over former strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 322 last November. The 38-year-old has dealt with lingering injuries throughout this year.
Shevchenko's second 125-pound title reign comes to an unceremonious end. She regained the belt with a win over Alexa Grasso at UFC 306 in September 2024 and defended it twice against Manon Fiorot and Zhang. Shevchenko was previously champion from December 2018 to March 2023, when she suffered a submission loss to Grasso that led to a three-fight series between the two.
Silva, the No. 1-ranked contender, is coming off a win over Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 in January. The 29-year-old Brazilian has won 14 in a row, including eight in the UFC.
Wang, ranked No. 6 at 125 pounds, is riding a four-fight winning streak and is 5-1 in the promotion.
UFC 332 will also feature former KSW two-division champion Roberto Soldic's debut against Khaos Williams, the promotion announced Saturday.
