Natalia Silva hopes Valentina Shevchenko will beat former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso hours before she defends her 125-pound belt against Manon Fiorotto in UFC 315, and will be next in line for the title.
Silva feels she’s doing enough to extend her overall winning streak to 13 in her seventh victory within the Octagon, and secure a chance for the championship.
“My focus is on the title,” Silva said after the war before Shevchenko defeated Fiorot in Montreal. “I came here and became a champion. My eyes are in the title. I have a story for one of two. Valentina once said she didn’t know me.
The 28-year-old prospect has now beaten two former UFC champions in a row, topping Jessica Andredo and Grasso in eight months, saying she can help fans get shots by winning a rally for her on social media.
“I think fans can ask for that because it’s a battle that makes sense to me,” Silva said. “It’s the fight I want. Every time the UFC offers me the name “Let’s go, I’m ready.” The UFC says I’ve been here to come since I came to the Champion.
Shevchenko was asked about a potential fight after UFC 315. She said she’ll leave the fans to decide whether she’ll face Silva or govern UFC Strawwight Zhang Weili.
“Did everyone say Weri or Natalia?” Shevchenko said. “So, I don’t know. Fans can pay for some role in it. If they can join my only fan page and drop a message that they want to see me fight next, we’ll compare the next person.”