Years before her UFC 315 win, Natalia Silva earned a shocking knockout at the UFC Apex.
Natalia Silva was one of the brightest stars from an eventful night at UFC 315 on Saturday as she handed former flyweight champ Alexa Grasso a rare setback in the Octagon. After her unanimous decision win, Silva is on the verge of a flyweight title shot.
Silva’s first UFC finish was a ‘Knockout of the Year’ candidate in 2022, as she followed up a win over Jasmine Jasudavicius with a ferocious knockout of Tereza Bleda. After her win at UFC 315, Silva has amassed a 13-fight winning streak.
Silva didn’t need long to prove herself as a dangerous flyweight contender against the talented Bleda.
- READ MORE: Jose Aldo details serious health issues he suffered that nearly canceled UFC 315 retirement fight
Natalia Silva knocked Tereza Bleda unconscious with a nasty spinning back kick
Silva and Bleda featured on a UFC Fight Night card that underwent several major last-minute fight cancellations and changes at the UFC Apex. But despite all of the changes, the event delivered some highlight-reel moments, including between the two flyweights.
Silva and Bleda traded big shots over the first two rounds in a high-paced matchup. Heading into the pivotal third round, and with the scorecards divided, Silva showed a major sense of urgency against Bleda.
Silva wasted no time pressuring Bleda against the cage in the opening minute of Round 3, frustrating her opponent and forcing her on the back foot. As Bleda attempted a desperate takedown, Silva timed it perfectly with a spinning back kick that landed flush to Bleda’s chin.
Watch Silva’s wild knockout at UFC Vegas 65 below.
Silva’s knockout earned her a post-fight performance bonus for her efforts. Her next fight didn’t disappoint as she knocked out Victoria Leonardo with a first-round head kick just months later.
Fast forward to 2025, and Silva is one of the UFC flyweight division’s top contenders and made a great case for a title shot with her win over Grasso on Saturday night.
- READ MORE: ‘Trying to make a point’ … Ex-UFC champ rips Belal Muhammad’s ‘ridiculous’ UFC 315 strategy
Natalia Silva’s desired flyweight title shot might have to wait, thanks to Zhang Weili
But Silva’s desired UFC flyweight title shot might have to wait a while, as UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and UFC strawweight titleholder Zhang Weili are on a potential collision course. After Shevchenko defeated Manon Fiorot in the UFC 315 co-main event, Weili didn’t take long to react on social media, hinting at a ‘destined’ booking between the two champions.
Silva could potentially face another top contender for her next matchup if the Shevchenko vs. Weili fight comes to fruition. UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t available for questions after UFC 315, and the status of the potential Shevchenko vs. Weili booking is uncertain.
In the meantime, Silva is a flyweight contender on the rise and could give Shevchenko fits in a potential clash.
- READ MORE: Valentina Shevchenko answers Manon Fiorot’s pre-UFC 315 ‘retirement’ wager after gritty co-main win