UFC Women’s Flyweight Champions: Full Chronological List

Natalia Silva became the newest UFC women’s flyweight champion on October 3, 2026, at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, defeating Wang Cong by unanimous decision. The victory, secured with judges’ scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, extended Silva’s professional winning streak to 15 fights and filled the vacancy left by longtime division anchor Valentina Shevchenko.

The flyweight division entered a new era in late 2026.

The 125-pound title became vacant in September 2026 after Valentina Shevchenko was forced to relinquish the belt due to persistent back and shoulder injuries. With Silva’s win, the division enters its first new era since the conclusion of the high-profile trilogy between Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso.

The Evolution of the Flyweight Division

Since the UFC introduced the women’s flyweight division in 2017, the championship has transitioned from an inaugural crowning to a period of long-term dominance, followed by a competitive rivalry. Below is the chronological history of the athletes who have held the 125-pound gold.

Nicco Montaño (December 1, 2017 – September 8, 2018): Montaño became the inaugural champion by winning the 26th season of The Ultimate Fighter. However, her reign ended without a title defense when she was stripped of the belt after being hospitalized during a weight cut for a scheduled bout against Valentina Shevchenko. Valentina Shevchenko (December 8, 2018 – March 4, 2023): Shevchenko claimed the vacant title by defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk. She went on to record seven consecutive successful title defenses, the most in the division’s history, establishing herself as one of the most dominant champions in the sport. Alexa Grasso (March 4, 2023 – September 14, 2024): Grasso pulled off a massive upset at UFC 285, submitting Shevchenko in the fourth round. She held the title through a split draw in their immediate rematch before losing the belt in the trilogy finale. Valentina Shevchenko (September 14, 2024 – September 2026): In a tactical performance at UFC 306, Valentina Shevchenko regained the title from Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision. Her second reign lasted nearly two years before she vacated the championship due to injury. Natalia Silva (October 3, 2026 – Present): Silva ascended to the throne at UFC 332, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the 125-pound class. 's victory at UFC 332 marks the fifth distinct reign in the history of the 125-pound class.

Transition to the Silva Era

The rise of Natalia Silva represents a shift away from the Shevchenko-Grasso rivalry that dictated the top of the rankings for several years. Analysis of the division’s current landscape suggests a high level of turnover could follow Shevchenko’s departure, as a new generation of contenders moves into the championship picture. Silva’s technical striking and defensive grappling were the deciding factors at UFC 332, where she narrowly outworked Wang Cong in a five-round battle.

While Shevchenko remains sidelined, her return timeline is currently unknown as she focuses on recovery from her back and shoulder issues. For now, Silva stands at the top of a division that has matured significantly since its inception, moving from a vacant slot on a reality show finale to one of the most consistently active weight classes in the UFC.

The post UFC Women’s Flyweight Champions: Full Chronological List appeared first on World Weekly News.