Alexa Grasso has been forced out of her highly anticipated rematch with Rose Namajunas at UFC 324, shaking up the co-main event just weeks before fight night. Stepping in to salvage the matchup is surging contender Natalia Silva, who now gets the biggest opportunity of her career and a chance to solidify herself as the #1 contender at 125 pounds.
First reported by Sherdog.
Silva (19-5-1) enters on the heels of a unanimous decision win over Grasso at UFC 315 in May, a victory that extended her UFC streak to seven straight. The streak has pushed her squarely into title conversation, with champion Valentina Shevchenko openly identifying her as a potential challenger following her most recent defense.
Rose (14-7) enters fresh off a unanimous decision win over Miranda Maverick in June. The former two-time strawweight champion moved to flyweight in 2023, debuting against Manon Fiorot in a losing effort before rebounding with a win over Tracy Cortez just months later.
Grasso (16-5-1) is riding a two-fight skid, having lost her title in a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306 before falling to Silva. No official reason was provided for her withdrawal, though it’s likely she will remain sidelined for the remainder of 2025.
UFC 324 takes place on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in the very first UFC event on Paramount+.
