‘Future champion’ Natalia Silva tells the UFC to ‘send that belt’ or send her Maycee Barber after dominant Fight Night win

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new and exciting flyweight title contender on our hands in the form of popular Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva, who dominated former champion Jessica Andrade at UFC Vegas 97 last night.

Not only was the performance a career-best for the now 18-5-1 contender, but the victory was so impressive that MMA fans are already calling Silva a future champion of the flyweight division – an enormous achievement, especially considering that the title will be put up for grabs next weekend.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesNatalia Silva targets title shot but likes that #4 next to Maycee Barber’s nameSpeaking to Michael Bisping after the judges’ scorecards were announced, an understandably emotional Natalia Silva dedicated the unanimous decision victory to her late sister, who sadly passed away last year shortly after her 31st birthday.

“I lost my sister recently, four months ago and I wanted to send a message to any of you [fans] out there please, if you let yourself fall into the world of drugs, please understand that you are loved, you are worth it.”

A poignant message from the Brazilian, who has catapulted herself into UFC title contention with the win over Jessica Andrade; and now with six consecutive wins in the promotion, Silva has her eye on that shiny flyweight belt.

“If the UFC comes to me and says ‘Hey, are you ready to fight for the belt by the end of the year?’ I will be ready,” she teased at the post-fight press conference.

“I train to be a champion, I came here to be a champion and if that’s what [the UFC does], if you give me the opportunity to get that belt – just send that belt over.”

The flyweight title is set to be contested next weekend in the co-main event of UFC 306, with Silva noting that she’d much prefer champion Alexa Grasso to retain her title against ‘The Bullet’.

“My wish is that Alexa wins because I don’t know her personally, but I follow her and she seems like such a nice person, she’s got this aura and I think this is her shot because Valentina is amazing, but she’s had her moment. This is the time for Alexa – until I arrive, and I get there.”

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Yet even if Grasso leaves The Sphere next weekend with the flyweight belt over her shoulder, the UFC will likely be pushing French contender Manon Fiorot as the next title challenger. In which case, the Brazilian will need one more win before she gets the chance to fight for the 125lb championship title.

Assuming that Silva will take Andrade’s #6 spot in the rankings and considering Rose Namajunas (#5) is already matched up with Erin Blanchfield (#3) for a fight in November – there’s only one name left above Silva who doesn’t have her next fight booked; Maycee Barber.

Barber currently retains the #4 ranking in the UFC flyweight division and whilst Silva noted that she tries to steer clear of the negotiation/callout side of the sport, that number next to Barber’s name is looking ever tempting.

“I think the [Number 4] spot is great, for where she is I think that’s a good spot to fight somebody, but my team decides that; I’m not the one who picks fights or schedules them.

“I will be ready and again, the spot that she is in would be perfect, but my team does it and listen, I’m ready, I’ll train, and I’ll be ready to get that victory.”

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Back to last night’s action and Silva also secured a sweet additional $50K Fight of the Night bonus; telling reporters that “For sure I’m going to invest some of it [but] I’m going to make a couple of dreams come true [as well].”

If one of Silva’s dreams is indeed to become UFC champion, there are a whole host of fans around the world who agree that it’ll only be a matter of time before the Brazilian gets her hands on a gold-plated title belt.

Popular MMA YouTuber ‘The Weasle’ posted on X that “Natalia Silva is the next champion,” stating that she “Outclassed Jessica Andrade and even traded power punches with her,” and that he “would love it if she became the face of women’s MMA.”

EXPLAINED: Fans rage over ‘blatant’ cheating as UFC Vegas 97 winner branded a ‘liar’ following glove holding controversy💥🇧🇷 Natalia Silva is the real deal! The 27-year-old just put on a showcase against former champ Jessica Andrade at #UFCVegas97, earning a clean 30-27 unanimous decision. Now 6-0 in the UFC, her rise is undeniable. Is she the future of the flyweight division? 🔥 #WMMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/of2pImsmAP

— Women’s MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) September 8, 2024 View Tweet

Natalia Silva is now 18-5-1 as a pro and 6-0 in the UFC, whilst future Hall of Famer Andrade drops to 26-13.

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