Natalia Silva’s journey to a UFC title shot has been anything but simple, but the Brazilian contender has made one thing very clear ahead of UFC 324.
She believes her time is coming, and she’s ready for Valentina Shevchenko. After a series of unexpected changes in the division and a sudden opportunity to face one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history, Silva is stepping into her moment with confidence.
Silva was initially positioned for a possible title shot, but her plans were pushed back when Zhang Weili vacated her strawweight belt to jump up in weight and challenge Shevchenko at UFC 322 last November.
That matchup reshaped the division and forced Silva to wait. Zhang’s attempt ended in a one-sided decision loss, keeping Shevchenko firmly at the top of the flyweight ladder.
While Silva waited, the division shifted again. Alexa Grasso, the only fighter to defeat Shevchenko during her dominant run, was unable to compete, and Silva seized the chance to face former champion Rose Namajunas at UFC 324.
It’s a high-stakes matchup on one of the year’s biggest cards, and it could finally determine the next flyweight title challenger.
Silva Steps In and Seizes the Opportunity
Speaking at Wednesday’s UFC 324 pre-fight press conference, Silva explained how the opportunity unfolded.
The UFC made it clear that Shevchenko wasn’t available to defend her title again so soon, leaving the door open for a big-name contender fight instead.
“I wanted to get a shot at the title before, but the UFC said Valentina was not going to be available to fight so soon. So they offered Rose’s name, and we accepted it,” Silva told reporters through an interpreter.
“I’m the person that had done the most in the organization, and the person who was ready for this was me.”
The matchup is a major test, but Silva (19-5-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has proven she belongs in the division’s elite.
With an undefeated UFC run and wins that have impressed fans and analysts, she has quickly risen from dark horse contender to legitimate title threat.
Taking the fight against Namajunas (14-7 MMA, 12-6 UFC) is not just another step forward; it may be the final hurdle between Silva and the world championship she has been chasing.
UFC Labels Silva vs. Namajunas as a Title Eliminator
In Silva’s mind, and based on what she says the UFC has told her, the stakes could not be clearer.
“A win against Rose already gives me the credentials to actually fight for the title,” Silva said. “The UFC has said that this is an elimination fight and that the next one will be for the title.”
The UFC rarely labels fights as official title eliminators unless they are confident in both athletes’ resumes.
Namajunas already holds two championship reigns at strawweight and remains one of the biggest names in women’s MMA. Silva sees defeating her as the final statement she needs to secure her shot.
With Shevchenko reigning at the top and the division looking for new contenders, this fight provides an opportunity for Silva to stamp her name as the next challenger.
Shevchenko’s Dominance Only Fuels Silva’s Confidence
While Valentina Shevchenko (26-4-1 MMA, 15-3-1 UFC) continues to dominate the flyweight division, Silva has no hesitation when discussing a potential matchup.
She recognizes the champion’s accomplishments, but she genuinely believes she has the skillset to dethrone her.
Shevchenko’s only loss during her reign came against Alexa Grasso, a result she decisively avenged at UFC 306.
Since then, she has defended her title against top contenders Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili, again showing her mastery both on the feet and on the ground.
Still, Silva remains unshaken.
“Valentina is not going to beat me, and I’m going to be a champion and beat her,” Silva said. “I worked every day in every single area possible. Whether it’s going to be striking or grappling, I’m going to beat her and I’m going to be a champion.”
This confidence is not new for Silva. Her performances in the octagon show a fighter who blends power, timing, and a high pace.
Her growth over her seven-fight UFC winning streak demonstrates refinement in all areas, striking creativity, improved wrestling, and strong fight IQ.
What a Win at UFC 324 Would Mean for Silva
A victory over Namajunas would do more than earn Silva a title shot; it would prove she belongs on the biggest stage against one of the greatest fighters in women’s MMA history.
Here’s what a win could mean:
1. Immediate Title Shot
With the UFC labeling this fight as a title eliminator, Silva would likely face Shevchenko next, setting up a massive showdown in 2026.
2. Major Recognition in the Division
Silva has flown under the radar in a division dominated by long-time champions and big-name fighters. Beating Namajunas would push her into mainstream attention.
3. A Chance to Make History
Becoming the next fighter to challenge Shevchenko offers Silva the chance to reshape the flyweight division, which has been controlled by one dominant champion for years.
4. Career Momentum at Its Peak
Silva’s rise has been steady, but a win over a former champion on a major UFC card could ignite her career worldwide.
Silva’s Confidence Could Be Her Greatest Weapon
What sets Silva apart isn’t only her undefeated UFC record, she believes that she has the tools to beat one of the most complete fighters in MMA history.
Confidence alone doesn’t win fights, but it shapes how fighters prepare, react under pressure, and execute in key moments.
Silva insists she’s prepared in every area. Her recent performances have displayed sharp, striking, fluid movement and improved grappling.
Shevchenko is a master technician, but Silva believes she can match her pace and overcome her strengths.
Rather than being intimidated by Shevchenko’s resume, Silva views it as motivation.
Looking Ahead to UFC 324
As the fight with Rose Namajunas approaches, the spotlight is squarely on Natalia Silva.
The matchup offers everything fans want: a rising contender facing a former champion with massive implications for the next title shot.
If Silva wins, she finally gets what she’s been pushing for: a chance to challenge Valentina Shevchenko. And based on her confidence and determination, she fully expects that moment to come.
Silva’s message is simple and direct; she believes she will defeat Namajunas, earn her title shot, and eventually take the flyweight crown from Shevchenko.
For now, all eyes turn to UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena, where the next chapter of Silva’s journey will unfold.