Valentina Shevchenko Stripped of Flyweight Title Ahead of UFC 332

The UFC women’s flyweight division has a new status heading into this weekend's UFC 332 event. Longtime champion Valentina Shevchenko has been officially stripped of her 125-pound title after failing to answer the call to defend her belt. With the championship now vacant, the division's top contenders have been elevated to fill the void at the top of the card. Following the decision to vacate the title, No. 1-ranked contender Natalia Silva is set to face Wang Cong in the main event of UFC 332. The bout, which will air on CBS and Paramount+, will now serve as a championship contest to crown a new titleholder. Speaking on the stakes of the fight, Wang Cong addressed the change in status, suggesting that she does not need a victory over the former champion to be considered the 'real' flyweight queen. The move marks a significant shift in the division’s landscape as the promotion looks to move forward with a new champion. The event remains scheduled for this Saturday, where the winner will be tasked with stabilizing the flyweight division under the UFC banner.

Source: MMA Mania.