Valentina Shevchenko was reportedly offered assurances in order to let go of the flyweight belt.
Shevchenko watched on as Natalia Silva became the new 125-pound champion this past weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Before it was announced that there would be a vacant title fight, reports stated that Shevchenko would be facing Silva in the main event due to the promotion’s other plans not coming together.
It now appears that the injury the former two-time champion suffered led to the UFC needing to make a definitive call due to a lack of other options.
- LATEST NEWS: UFC 332 rankings update: Heavyweight and flyweight division’s welcome undefeated stars into top 15
How do you rate Natalia Silva’s chances of keeping the UFC flyweight title when Valentina Shevchenko returns? 🤔
Well deserved Natalia!
Congratulations!
It’s my pleasure to know that UFC Champion’s belt is now holding deserving martial artist – such as you are ! 👊
But don’t get too comfortable— keep it warm, I’m coming soon for my belt ! 😉💪🏆
#UFC332 @nataliasilvaufc— Valentina The Bullet Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) October 4, 2026
Ariel Helwani says Valentina Shevchenko ‘absolutely’ didn’t willingly give up the flyweight title
Valentina Shevchenko’s coach said that they made the decision to vacate the flyweight title due to her facing a long recovery process from various injuries.
New champion Natalia Silva has already spoken about wanting to stay active and not waiting for ‘Bullet’ to return before defending her belt.
However, a recent report from Ariel Helwani suggests that it was the UFC that pushed for Shevchenko to step away from the 125-pound gold for the time being.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show (October 5), he provided the following update after reaching out to people in search of answers as to whether she vacated the belt or was stripped.
“Does she have a lingering injury, yes,” he said. “If the UFC would have had another title fight for October 3, would she still be champion, yes. Did she willingly give up that belt, no. Absolutely not. They needed a title fight. They said we’ll do right by you when you come back, you’ll get the title fight.”
Shevchenko has yet to speak on this publicly, though she did tell Silva to keep the belt warm for her when congratulating the Brazilian on her win.
- LATEST NEWS: Herb Dean told to retire from refereeing by Henry Cejudo who piles in on UFC 332 criticism
Paulo Costa claimed that he offered to save UFC 332
The other title fight that was being linked to UFC 332 was a potential interim light heavyweight clash.
Paulo Costa claimed that he offered to compete in this spot, but had his pitch turned down by the promotion ahead of the final fight on his contract.
Regardless of the reason for these plans not coming together, this left the UFC in a difficult spot where the flyweight title fight was their one and only option, especially due to the relatively short notice.
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