UFC 332 roundtable: Should this be a numbered UFC event?

UFC 332 has drawn criticism from analysts and observers, with some calling it the weakest numbered event in recent UFC history. The card, held this Saturday in Salt Lake City, is headlined by a women's flyweight title fight between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong—a matchup that exists only because champion Valentina Shevchenko withdrew due to injury. Critics argue that Wang, who earned her title shot primarily on the strength of a kickboxing victory over Shevchenko years ago, leapfrogged more deserving contenders such as Manon Fiorot, Alexa Grasso, and Erin Blanchfield. While Silva is regarded as a solid fighter with underrated takedown defense and effective point-fighting striking, the vacant title bout lacks the legitimacy typically expected from a UFC championship fight—especially with Shevchenko still active on the roster. Observers note that while the rest of the card may offer entertainment value, UFC 332 lacks the high-stakes matchups and marquee appeal that justify a numbered event in the Paramount+ era. Some have suggested the card would be better suited as a UFC Fight Night event, noting that it would likely draw minimal traditional pay-per-view buys. Regardless of format, whoever wins the Silva-Cong bout will carry a championship that feels diminished until or unless they face Shevchenko, the division's true champion.