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2 clusters · 6 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated
UFC 332 main event changes and criticism
Overview
The UFC 332 event in Salt Lake City underwent significant changes after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the women’s flyweight title due to shoulder and back injuries. The championship bout was rescheduled to feature Natalia Silva against Wang Cong on October 3.
This change drew criticism from former heavyweight Brendan Schaub, who called the new matchup the “worst main event in the history of MMA,” arguing that promoting the sixth-ranked Wang Cong over the number one contender, Silva, undermined the event. Schaub also suggested that a shift toward subscription-based broadcasting via CBS and Paramount+ might reduce the pressure to secure high-profile headliners.
As fan backlash continued regarding the perceived lack of star power, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo defended the lineup. Figueiredo stated that the fighters are prepared to perform and noted that “what looks weak can become strong.” The event card also includes a bantamweight bout between Figueiredo and Payton Talbott, and a lightweight fight between Bobby Green and Esteban Ribovics.
Entities
Natalia Silva · Wang Cong · UFC · Brendan Schaub · Valentina Shevchenko
Timeline
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[SPORTS] 4 sourcesUFC 332 faces fan backlash over main event announcement
UFC fans have criticized the UFC 332 fight card for its lack of star power after a women's flyweight title fight was announced as the main event. Former champion Deiveson Figueiredo defended the lineup.
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[SPORTS] 3 sourcesUFC 332 main event changes spark criticism from Brendan Schaub
Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub criticized the UFC 332 main event featuring Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong, calling it the “worst main event in the history of MMA” after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the title.
Sources
boxingnews.com · cagesidepress.com · metropoles.com · middleeasy.com · si.com · thebodylockmma.com