Joker persona helps Cong ‘feel the fear’ in opponents
Chinese fighter Wang Cong will challenge for the UFC's vacant flyweight world title on Saturday against Brazilian Natalia Silva at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. The 34-year-old, who has won four consecutive fights, wears distinctive Joker-inspired face paint that she credits with enhancing her performance and intimidating opponents. The bout represents a significant moment for women's mixed martial arts in the UFC, particularly given the sport's recent underrepresentation of female fighters on flagship events.
Cong's opponent Silva, ranked first in the flyweight division, enters on a 14-fight win streak and was originally expected to defend against champion Valentina Shevchenko before the former champion's injury forced the title to become vacant. Sixth-ranked Cong acknowledged surprise at her selection for the title bout, though she justified it given the unavailability of higher-ranked fighters. If victorious, Cong would become only the second Chinese UFC champion in history, following strawweight champion Zhang Weili, and she hopes her success will inspire greater participation in mixed martial arts in China.
- Wang Cong challenges for vacant UFC flyweight title on Saturday
- Her Joker face paint persona helps her feel dominant in fights
- Victory would make her second Chinese UFC champion
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Wang Cong, a Chinese mixed martial artist, is competing for the UFC's world flyweight title this weekend against Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva. The championship became vacant when the previous champion was injured and unable to defend it.
Cong is 34 years old and has won her last four fights to reach this opportunity, though she did not expect to be selected for the title bout. Silva is ranked higher in the division and is on a 14-fight winning streak, making her the favourite for the bout.
A victory for Cong would make her only the second Chinese fighter to win a UFC world title, following strawweight champion Zhang Weili, and could inspire greater participation in martial arts within China. The bout also represents a significant opportunity for women's mixed martial arts in the UFC, which has been underrepresented on the sport's largest events.