Cong Wang says teammates go harder on her: ‘Treated like boys’

Cong Wang is preparing for the biggest fight of her career at UFC 332 on October 3 in Salt Lake City, where she will challenge Natalia Silva for the vacant women's flyweight title. The Chinese striker has detailed her training experience at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, revealing that her sparring partners have adjusted their intensity based on her striking ability.

Wang (10-1) says that while her teammates may dial back their intensity when sparring with other female fighters, they elevate their level significantly when working with her. After experiencing her striking firsthand, they begin striking harder and more aggressively, leading Wang to observe that she is "treated like boys in the gym." This elevated sparring environment has helped her prepare for a title shot she believes she is ready for.

Wang enters UFC 332 riding a four-fight winning streak, with her most recent victory coming via unanimous decision over Tracy Cortez. Her opponent, Silva, presents a formidable challenge—the unbeaten UFC fighter is 8-0 in the promotion and boasts victories over former champions Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Rose Namajunas. The vacant title bout promises to be a striking-heavy affair between two of the division's most talented strikers, with Wang hoping her gym wars at Team Alpha Male have adequately prepared her for the step up in competition.