Natalia Silva wins vacant UFC flyweight title

Natalia Silva won the vacant UFC women’s flyweight championship Saturday, defeating Wang Cong by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. The judges scored the five-round bout 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 for Silva, who extended her winning streak to 15 bouts, according to post-fight reports. Silva established an early advantage with movement and striking, including a head kick in the second round that briefly put Wang on the canvas. She also used kicks and combinations to control much of the contest. Wang pressed forward more in the closing round and landed several punches, but Silva’s earlier work carried the decision. The title had been vacated by Valentina Shevchenko after back and shoulder injuries, according to reports on the change. The vacancy set up the bout between Silva and Wang. Silva’s victory made her the fourth woman to hold the UFC women’s flyweight championship, one account reported. Payton Talbott also won by first-round TKO against Deiveson Figueiredo in the co-main event, according to post-event coverage. The reports describe Talbott dropping Figueiredo with a right hand and continuing to land strikes until the referee stopped the bout.