Natalia Silva deserved a flyweight title shot before she beat Rose Namajunas at UFC 324. After her decision victory over the former strawweight champ, she’s completely undeniable.
Silva’s win over Namajunas was her 14th in a row, and eighth in the Octagon. Highlights of that impressive streak now include wins over two former champs: Namajunas and Alexa Grasso. She has been remarkably consistent in a stacked division, and has been beating top competition too. It’s time for a title shot.
That, of course, would mean a fight with dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko. Shevchenko, who is riding a lopsided win over Zhang Weili, is considered one of the best female fighters of all time. She would likely be a big favorite to beat Silva if they’re matched up, but Silva has also shown she has the skill set and intelligence to beat anybody in her weight class under the right conditions. She has as good a chance of dethroning the champ as anybody.
Shevchenko, who has been fighting at the highest level for years, is likely to retire soon, and probably only has a few more fights left. Whatever else the UFC has planned for her, a defense against Silva needs to be one of them.
