UFC 316 will feature a compelling women’s flyweight matchup turned catchweight (132 lb) bout as rising Chinese star Wang Cong takes on seasoned Brazilian contender Ariane da Silva (née Lipski). The bout, set for June 7, 2025, carries extra intrigue as da Silva missed weight, coming in six pounds over the 126-pound non-title flyweight limit. The fight will proceed with da Silva forfeiting a percentage of her purse.

Wang Cong: The Chinese Sensation on the Rise

Wang Cong (7–1) is one of China’s brightest MMA prospects. With championship credentials in Sanda and boxing, including a World Wushu gold medal and a World Championship silver in amateur boxing, Wang brings elite-level striking and composure to the Octagon. Since joining the UFC, she has already delivered a knockout win over Victoria Leonardo and most recently outpointed Bruna Brasil in February 2025.

Wang is a versatile and fluid striker with exceptional timing, and she’s steadily sharpening her ground game. Despite suffering her first professional loss via rear-naked choke to Gabriella Fernandes in late 2024, Wang rebounded quickly and showed significant improvements in her takedown defense and fight IQ in subsequent outings.

Wang Cong – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Bruna Brasil – Unanimous Decision (UFC 312, Feb 9, 2025)
2. Loss vs. Gabriella Fernandes – Technical Submission (UFC FN: Yan vs. Figueiredo, Nov 23, 2024)
3. Win vs. Victoria Leonardo – KO (Punches) (UFC on ESPN, Aug 24, 2024)
4. Win vs. Paula Luna – Submission (Guillotine Choke) (Road to UFC, May 18, 2024)
5. Win vs. Wu Yanan – Unanimous Decision (Kunlun Fight 95, Jan 20, 2024)

Ariane da Silva: A Gritty Veteran with Something to Prove

Ariane da Silva (17–10) has had an up-and-down UFC tenure, but her résumé includes wins over solid names like Casey O’Neill and JJ Aldrich. A former KSW Women’s Flyweight Champion, Lipski’s blend of aggressive Muay Thai and improved grappling has led to multiple finishes—most notably, a 2020 kneebar submission that won Submission of the Year.

However, inconsistency has plagued her. She’s dropped her last two fights, including a recent submission loss to Jasmine Jasudavicius and a decision loss to Karine Silva. Ranked #13 in the flyweight division, da Silva needs this win to maintain her foothold in the top 15.

Ariane da Silva – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius – Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC FN: Moreno vs. Albazi, Nov 2, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Karine Silva – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, Apr 27, 2024)
3. Win vs. Casey O’Neill – Submission (Armbar) (UFC 296, Dec 16, 2023)
4. Win vs. Melissa Gatto – Split Decision (UFC on ESPN, Jul 1, 2023)
5. Win vs. JJ Aldrich – Unanimous Decision (UFC FN: Yan vs. Dvalishvili, Mar 11, 2023)

Prediction:

This matchup pits youth and momentum against experience and grit. Wang Cong will likely look to keep the fight standing, utilizing her superior striking and footwork to manage distance and outpoint or finish da Silva. Conversely, Ariane da Silva will need to close the distance, push the fight to the clinch, and test Wang’s ground game, which has shown vulnerability against skilled grapplers.

Da Silva has the edge in UFC experience and submission acumen, but Wang's precision striking, movement, and improving takedown defense suggest she’s ready for this challenge. If Wang can stay off her back and avoid extended grappling exchanges, her output and accuracy should earn her a decisive win.

Prediction:
Wang Cong def. Ariane da Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)