Natalia Silva watched from the sidelines, clapped politely, and smiled—but make no mistake: she wasn’t just enjoying the show. She was scouting for her next target. After steamrolling a former champion in Alexa Grasso, Silva’s message was clear: Valentina Shevchenko, you’re next. The flyweight division may still belong to ‘Bullet,’ but the storm’s coming from Brazil. Silva is undefeated in the UFC, coming off a 30-27 shutout, and breathing down the champ’s neck. Her timing just couldn’t be better, as the title picture has gotten a lot more interesting.

It wasn’t only her victory that had people talking; it was how she handled herself afterwards. Cool. Calm. Then, casually bold. “My eyes are set on the title. That’s what I want next,” she declared in an interview after her win at UFC 315, without wasting any time in staking her claim. Silva had receipts, whereas other rivals were playing it safe.

“Valentina was asked about me one time, and she said she didn’t know who I was,” she recounted. “So it’s about time that she knows who I am.” Silva has not forgotten, nor has she forgiven. That chip on her shoulder fits perfectly with the way she fights. Against a former champion in the form of Grasso, she appeared untouchable—fast, sleek, and brutal.

The sidekick to the face in round one established the tone. Grasso attempted to push later, but it was too late. Three rounds, three judges, and one message: Natalia Silva not only won but also controlled the fight from start to finish. Moreover, she took Grasso’s #1 spot in the women’s 125-pound rankings.

However, it is possible that she will have to wait her turn, as reigning strawweight queen Zhang Weili has entered her name into the Goblet of Fire. After the fight, the champ wrote on her social media, “Congratulations to the champion. Everything has lined up perfectly, it’s destiny.” Well, this may spell doom for the Brazilian, as surely Weili vs. Shevchenko will be a bigger fight.

For now, Natalia Silva is waiting. Watching. The moment Valentina got her hand raised, Silva was already there backstage, watching the video play with a grin as she revealed what exactly ran through her mind. She said, “Hold on. I’ll be the next one, okay? It was good, it was good! I’m here watching the next one! She doesn’t know me, right?” Well, it seems like she is all geared up to get her hands on the gold. While fans are truly divided on whether she would be able to pull it off.

Fans left divided as Natalia Silva goes off against Valentina Shevchenko

Silva’s post-fight attitude was more than just confidence; it was a declaration. That declaration quickly spread throughout the MMA community. The Brazilian’s promise that Shevchenko will soon “know who I am” reverberated over social media, prompting a barrage of replies. Some welcomed Silva as the division’s future, but others slammed the brakes, claiming she was unprepared for the deep waters Valentina swims in. The line had been drawn, and fans weren’t afraid to select their side.

Silva’s fans took a different approach as they started the fire. “The next champ!!!” and “The NEWWW” a few fans wrote, believing that Silva’s speed, composure, and technique would be enough to dethrone the longtime queen. “This fight will be lit 🔥🔥,” another chimed in, excited for a new rival who does not tiptoe and rushes the throne.

The Brazilian fans were not simply hyped up; they were convinced. “You are already a champion,” someone said, expressing the belief that her rise to the top was only a matter of time. To them, the storm from Brazil is not a maybe—it’s inevitable. However, not everyone is convinced that a change of guard is imminent. “Natália was good, but I don’t think I would beat her against Valentina, huh?”

“Take it easy there,” one commenter said, echoing the belief that Shevchenko’s supremacy demands more than simply bold words and showy performances. “Still can’t do it for the Brazilian!” exclaimed another, blunt and unconvinced. Valentina is revered, but she is also feared. “That Shevchenko is nuts! Natália will have to give her soul to win,” as if to say, Beware the ‘Bullet.’ What do you think? Who would you want to be Valentina Shevchenko’s next opponent? Let us know in the comments.