Who is Wang Cong? Chinese UFC star set to compete at UFC 332 for vacant flyweight title against Natalia Silva

Wang Cong is one of the most experienced strikers in the UFC women’s flyweight division. The Chinese fighter has built a strong combat sports career across Sanda, kickboxing, boxing and mixed martial arts. Now, she is preparing for the biggest fight of her MMA career.Cong will face Natalia Silva for the vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship at UFC 332 on October 3 in Salt Lake City. The opportunity came after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the title because of an injury. Cong believes her four-fight winning streak and availability made her the natural choice.Who is Wang Cong? Wang Cong was born on May 15, 1992, in Dalian, Liaoning, China. She is 34 years old and competes at 125 pounds in the UFC flyweight division. She is known by the nickname “The Joker” and trains with Team Alpha Male.Cong has a professional MMA record of 10-1. She also has a decorated background in Sanda and kickboxing. She won gold in Sanda at the 2013 World Wushu Championships and the 2014 Asian Games. She also won silver in amateur boxing at the 2019 World Championships.Her kickboxing career includes a major victory over Valentina Shevchenko. Cong defeated Shevchenko by unanimous decision at Kunlun Fight 33 in October 2015. The victory also saw her win the Kunlun Fight Women’s Lightweight Championship.Cong later moved into MMA and continued to build her record. She earned a UFC contract after submitting Paula Luna at Road to UFC in May 2024.Her UFC debut came against Victoria Leonardo in August 2024. Cong stopped Leonardo with punches in just 62 seconds and received a Performance of the Night bonus.She suffered the first loss of her professional MMA career against Gabriella Fernandes in November 2024. However, Cong quickly bounced back.She then defeated Bruna Brasil, Ariane da Silva, Eduarda Moura and Tracy Cortez. Her win over Cortez at UFC 329 in July 2026 extended her winning streak to four fights. That run helped put her in position for the biggest opportunity of her career.Cong was ranked sixth in the flyweight division when the title fight was announced. Some questioned why she was selected ahead of other contenders. However, Cong said the situation within the division made the decision understandable.“I’m not surprised. Because how the rankings go either has a fight booked or they just fought. I’m on a four fight win streak and I think it’s my time”, Cong told MMA Fighting.Top contenders including Alexa Grasso and Manon Fiorot had recently fought each other, while other fighters such as Erin Blanchfield were also in contention. Cong, meanwhile, was available and coming off four straight victories.The matchup with Silva is also expected to be a battle between two skilled strikers. Cong believes controlling the pace will be crucial when they meet inside the Delta Center.The winner of Cong vs. Silva will leave UFC 332 as the new UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. The fight is scheduled to headline the event on October 3, 2026.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.