Natalia Silva says she is in limbo as she awaits medical clearance for UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko so their title fight can finally be booked.
Silva was informed by the UFC that Shevchenko is injured and that the promotion must wait for the champion’s recovery before scheduling the matchup later this year. Silva is coming off a win over former champion Alexa Grasso in May 2025 and had agreed to face Rose Namajunas the following January after being promised a title shot.
"We’re waiting and hoping the champion is ready to fight soon," Silva said. "From what she posts on social media, it doesn’t seem to be anything serious. It looks like she’s already back training. We’re just waiting for her to say, ‘Alright, let’s put the belt on the line.’ There’s no way she’s going to keep holding onto the belt forever, right? [laughs] A champion has to keep the division moving. That’s all we’re waiting for."
Silva, who has won all eight of her UFC bouts and earned bonuses for performances against Jessica Andrade and Tereza Bleda, is clear about what comes next for her.
"My goal is to become champion," she said. "It doesn’t matter where the fight happens, whether it’s in her country or anywhere else. It doesn’t matter where it is, my goal is to become champion. No matter where I fight, I’m going to become champion. I truly believe that. If the UFC wants to make that happen, that’s great for me."
