Outside Source
Natalia Silva will need to win at least once more to earn a UFC title shot. | Getty/UFC
After earning seven straight wins in the UFC, all signs pointed to Natalia Silva as the next flyweight title contender.
Even reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko recognized Silva as a legitimate challenger following her victory over Weili Zhang at UFC 322. However, it looks like timing did not favor the Brazilian.
Advertisement
“The UFC called me saying that unfortunately Valentina won’t be ready in January, and they want me to fight one more time,” Silva told Sherdog.com. “So I’ll fight on Jan. 24 with Rose Namajunas.”
Eyes on the Prize
Namajunas, a former strawweight champion, was initially scheduled to face Alexa Grasso on that same date at UFC 324. It’s unclear what forced Grasso to withdraw from the bout.
“I don’t know what happened to Alexa, but if I want to be the UFC champion I have to face any challenge,” Silva said. “I don’t know what happened to Alexa, but I´ll be ready by then.”
Silva had nothing but praise for Namajunas as she looks ahead to her latest challenge.
“Rose is a really tough opponent,” she said. “She has great footwork, and when she is not comfortable in the striking she has great takedowns. Me and my team already started to study her to make a game plan to win.”
UFC 324 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by an interim title tilt between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The card will air on Paramount+.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
Help support MMACrazies.com when you shop Amazon by starting your online Amazon shopping at MMACrazies.com/recommends/amazon. You are not charged extra, but we receive a small and very helpful commission on everything you purchase. Thanks for thinking of us every time you shop at Amazon.
