Wang Cong ‘not surprised’ she got a title shot at UFC 332 over other flyweight contenders

Wang Cong will challenge Natalia Silva for the vacant UFC flyweight title at UFC 332 after champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt. The matchup raised eyebrows among some observers, who felt other contenders like Erin Blanchfield deserved the opportunity, but Wang—currently ranked in the top 10 and riding a four-fight winning streak—insists she earned her shot.

"I'm not surprised," Wang told MMA Fighting. "Because how the rankings go either has a fight booked or they just fought. I'm on a four win streak and I think it's my time." The 25-year-old noted her willingness to fight on short notice and her consistent cardio work, saying she is always ready for championship-level competition.

Interestingly, Wang and Shevchenko have a history beyond MMA. In 2015, the two met in a kickboxing bout where Wang earned a unanimous decision victory before both transitioned to mixed martial arts. Though that shared past exists, Wang says it is not her focus heading into fight week. "I'm fully focused on this fight," she said. "Those are things in the future."

Wang expects a striking-heavy affair at UFC 332, given both fighters' elite boxing and kick skills. She views the contest as a battle of desire and rhythm control. "It's going to be two world-class strikers," Wang said. "We're competing and the key to win the fight is takes the rhythm of the fight. It also comes down to desire, who wants it more and we'll go against each other in the fight."