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Joker persona helps Cong ‘feel the fear’ in opponents

Wang Cong dismisses critics who say she she is not deserving of facing Natalia Silva for the flyweight world title at UFC 332 on Saturday.

By Paul Battison · BBC

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 7:07 AM

Key Things to Know

Wang Cong says her Joker persona inspires her and helps her feel fear in opponents.
Cong faces Natalia Silva for the vacant UFC flyweight title at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.
Silva is on a 14-fight winning streak after previous champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt due to injury.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Chinese flyweight Wang Cong explained that adopting her Joker-inspired face paint persona boosts her confidence and helps her sense fear in opponents. The 34-year-old fighter, currently on a four-fight winning streak, will challenge Brazilian contender Natalia Silva for the vacant flyweight world title at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Saturday.

Silva enters the vacant title bout as the betting favorite riding a 14-fight overall winning streak. The championship became vacant after Valentina Shevchenko had to step aside due to an injury. A victory would make Cong the second Chinese UFC champion after former strawweight titleholder Zhang Weili.

Read the full article on BBC

Joker persona helps Cong ‘feel the fear’ in opponents

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