Valentina Shevchenko to new champion Natalia Silva: "Keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt"

Silva, who won the title Shevchenko vacated through injury, says she wants to be an active champion and will "face whoever is the next one".

Valentina Shevchenko congratulated Natalia Silva on winning the UFC women's flyweight title, then told her not to get used to it.

"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!" Shevchenko wrote on X. "But don't get too comfortable - keep it warm, I'm coming soon for my belt!"

Silva won the belt Shevchenko vacated through injury by beating Wang Cong on a unanimous decision in the UFC 332 main event. Shevchenko's back and shoulder injury was reported as keeping her out for up to a year.

When the message was put to her at the post-fight press conference, Silva made clear she would not be waiting. "I want to be an active champion. There is no point in being a title holder if you don't put it out for defense and you're not active," she said through an interpreter. Dana White said the same: "I think she should be active."

Silva would not name a first challenger. "This is not the time to name names, because it's time for me to celebrate," she said. "I have never run away from a fight, no matter what was asked of me. This is my moment to enjoy being a champion, but whenever called upon, I will face whoever is the next one."

READ NEXTNatalia Silva beats Wang Cong on a unanimous decision to become UFC women's flyweight championRead the next story →

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