LAS VEGAS — Natalia Silva believes her next fight should be for UFC gold. After scoring a unanimous decision victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas on Saturday at UFC 324, Silva said the UFC promised her a women’s flyweight title shot as part of the incentive for accepting the bout on short notice.
Silva (20-5-1 MMA, 8-0 UFC) stepped in to replace Alexa Grasso and delivered a composed, technical performance to hand Namajunas her third loss in four fights. Speaking through a translator at her post-fight press conference, Silva made it clear she expects the promotion to honor its word.
“That’s what should happen, and that’s what the UFC told me that I was going to get a title fight,” Silva said. “I accepted this fight on short notice. There wasn’t much time to prepare. I did what I needed to do, and I trusted the UFC. I hope they follow through on that promise.”
Next in Line for Shevchenko?
The women’s flyweight title is currently held by Valentina Shevchenko, who has yet to be booked for her next defense. Shevchenko last competed in November, successfully defending her belt against Zhang Weili, who vacated her strawweight title in an attempt to become a two-division champion.
Silva, unbeaten since joining the UFC in 2022, has quietly built one of the division’s most impressive streaks. Her win over Namajunas marked her biggest test to date and, in her view, sealed her status as the No. 1 contender.
“I accepted the fight when the UFC called,” Silva said. “I didn’t have to take it, but I did it to save the event.”
White House Title Fight?
Silva also floated a bold idea for when and where her title shot should happen: the UFC’s planned event at The White House, reportedly scheduled for June 14 the birthday of U.S. president Donald Trump.
“My birthday is coming up on Feb. 3,” Silva said. “That would be an amazing gift. I accepted this fight, high risk, short notice. It would be a tremendous birthday gift to get the call to fight Valentina at the White House.”
Whether the UFC follows through remains to be seen. But after dominating a former champion under pressure, Silva has made it difficult to argue against her claim.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
