Silva claimed the vacant title with scorecards of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 following a dominant five-round performance. The 29-year-old extended her winning streak to 15 fights, a run that stretches back to 2017.
The title had become available after former champion Valentina Shevchenko was forced to vacate the belt last month due to injury. Silva had originally been scheduled to face the Kyrgyzstan star before the bout was cancelled.
“I want to tell this to everyone… don’t give up on anything,” Silva said in her post-fight interview. “This belt here is because God gave me the opportunity. I knew [Wang] was a tough fighter. This fight proved why she was challenging me. This is the beginning of Natalia Silva. I’m the new queen.”
Shevchenko later congratulated the new champion on social media while issuing a warning. “Well deserved Natalia! Congratulations,” she wrote. “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.”
The contest marked the first women’s main event in the UFC since January 2025 and the first time two women headlined a numbered UFC event since June 2023.
Earlier on the card, Britain’s Mick Parkin was knocked out in less than four minutes by Johnny Walker on the Brazilian’s heavyweight debut.