UFC 316 – Ariane da Silva vs Wang Cong – Full Fight Replay Available Today

At UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, the women’s flyweight clash between Ariane da Silva and Wang Cong lit up the prelims at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with a fast-paced and technical three-round bout that showcased grit, precision, and high fight IQ from both rising contenders.

Da Silva, entering the cage with a reputation for crisp Muay Thai and relentless pressure, wasted no time establishing her presence. From the opening horn, she controlled the center of the Octagon, working behind a stiff jab and hammering low kicks that immediately forced Wang to adjust. But the Chinese striker wasn’t overwhelmed—Wang kept her composure, using sharp lateral movement and well-timed counters to stay in the fight and frustrate da Silva’s early rhythm.

In the second round, the momentum began to shift as Wang found success with her timing and distance control. She slipped da Silva’s forward bursts and responded with clean counters, including a series of snapping right hands that caught the Brazilian flush. Da Silva responded with clinch work against the cage, landing knees to the body and short elbows in close quarters, showing her ability to adapt and maintain control even when the striking battle was tightening.

Heading into the final round, it was still anyone’s fight. Da Silva came out with urgency, throwing with more volume and trying to break Wang’s defensive shell. Wang, however, remained disciplined, picking her moments to fire back and defending multiple takedown attempts with impressive balance. The exchanges became more intense in the final minute, as both fighters bit down on their mouthpieces and traded in the pocket, drawing roars from the Newark crowd.

After three highly competitive rounds, the judges awarded the bout to Ariane da Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). It was a hard-earned victory for the Brazilian, who showed patience, pressure, and toughness to edge out a very game Wang Cong. For Wang, despite the loss, the performance confirmed her place in the UFC’s growing flyweight division, as she pushed da Silva to the limit in a fight that delivered far more action than expected from its spot on the prelims.