Natalia Silva secured a significant victory over former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso just hours before Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her 125-pound belt against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. Following her win, Silva expressed her strong desire to be the next challenger for the title.
Silva`s triumph extended her impressive overall winning streak to 13 bouts, marking her seventh consecutive win inside the UFC octagon. She feels this exceptional run is more than sufficient to earn her a shot at the championship.
“My entire focus is on the title,” Silva stated in her post-fight comments, made prior to Shevchenko`s fight. “I came here with the clear goal of becoming champion; my sights are set on the belt. I have a compelling narrative regardless of who holds the title. Valentina once mentioned that she didn`t know who I was, and I believe it`s high time she finds out.”
The 28-year-old contender has now defeated two former UFC champions in quick succession, overcoming Jessica Andrade and Alexa Grasso within an eight-month span. She suggested that vocal support from fans on social media could help persuade the promotion to grant her the title opportunity.
“I think the fans can really push for this because it`s a fight that makes perfect sense for me,” Silva commented. “It`s the fight I genuinely want. The UFC knows that whenever they offer me an opponent, I readily accept and say, `Let`s go, I`m prepared.` They clearly see my potential to become champion. Since joining the UFC, I`ve consistently stated my intention to be champion, and not just another name, but someone who leaves a lasting legacy, someone whose story resonates with people.”
After UFC 315 concluded, Shevchenko was asked about her potential next opponent, specifically whether it might be Silva or reigning UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili. Shevchenko indicated she might leave the decision partly to the fans.
“Was everyone talking about Weili or Natalia?” Shevchenko posed. “So, I`m not entirely sure, perhaps the fans can play a role in this decision. If they`d like to join my OnlyFans page and send messages suggesting who they want to see me fight next, we can see what the general consensus is.”
