UFC 332 was widely regarded as one of the weakest numbered cards in recent memory, at least on paper. The criticism intensified after the main event was changed at the last minute to a vacant flyweight title fight between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong.
The late change came after Valentina Shevchenko was forced to vacate her title due to shoulder and back injuries that were expected to keep her sidelined for at least a year.
Women’s MMA has also faced questions about its star power in recent years, particularly following Amanda Nunes’ departure from the sport. Naturally, the UFC 332 headliner in Salt Lake City became a talking point on Demetrious Johnson and Israel Adesanya’s Precision podcast.
Adesanya admitted that he hadn’t realized the card was being promoted as a major attraction. He also pointed out that Silva and Cong were relatively unfamiliar names without an established storyline to sell the fight. Both he and Johnson even suggested they might skip watching the UFC’s return to Salt Lake City.
When their podcast producer reminded them that Silva vs. Cong was headlining the event, the two fighters burst into laughter at the UFC’s decision. However, their reaction didn’t sit well with Kayla Harrison, one of the biggest stars in women’s MMA.
Kayla Harrison Has Strong Words for Demetrious Johnson Over UFC 332 Criticism
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Harrison took particular issue with Johnson mocking the matchup between Silva and Cong. The UFC women’s bantamweight champion also brought up Johnson’s previous comments about her chances against Nunes.
She said, “I’m just kind of over (Demetrious Johnson’s) attitude. First of all, he’s the one that said I shouldn’t fight Amanda; I should retire.”
Following UFC 316 in June 2025, Harrison became the 135-pound champion after beating Julianna Pena. Johnson subsequently suggested that she should retire rather than face Nunes, believing she wouldn’t stand a chance against the former champion.
Harrison also criticized Johnson for taking shots at up-and-coming female fighters who are still trying to establish themselves in a competitive division. She argued that mocking fighters who haven’t yet become household names does little to help the sport grow.
She said, “This mindset of scarcity is detrimental to the growth of the sport. There’s enough room at the table for all of us to eat, and we don’t have to belittle, poke fun at, or put down anyone else to build our own brand. I just don’t believe in that. And especially for a retired fighter.”
Kayla Harrison shares why she took issue with Demetrious Johnson’s recent comments about Natalia Silva and Wang Cong:
“I’m just kind of over Mighty’s attitude. I’m over it.
This mindset of scarcity is detrimental to the growth of the sport. There’s enough room at the table for all of us to eat, and we don’t have to belittle or poke fun or put down anyone else in order to build our own brand.
Of course those girls are not stars yet, but do you know how you build a star? You fucking put them in the main event, and you build them.
To talk shit about them like that, I just feel is unnecessary. Super unnecessary.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 14, 2026
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Harrison went on to explain why giving relatively unknown fighters opportunities in high-profile matchups can help them develop into bigger stars.
She added, “Of course, those girls are not stars yet, but you know how you build a star? You put them in the main event and build them. You have to start somewhere, so to talk s**t about them like that is just unnecessary, super unnecessary.”
Despite the criticism surrounding the lineup, UFC 332 delivered an action-packed night. The event set a record with 11 knockouts, including nine in the opening round, which also established a new record.
The main event between Cong and Silva wasn’t an instant classic, but the two flyweights put on a respectable back-and-forth contest for the vacant title. While the matchup may not have generated the excitement of a blockbuster headliner beforehand, the event itself gave fans plenty of action.
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As for Harrison, she’ll soon have the chance to settle her own rivalry with Nunes. The two are scheduled to meet in the co-main event of UFC 334 on November 14, with Harrison’s 135-pound title on the line.
After Johnson questioned whether Harrison could beat Nunes, the upcoming showdown gives the champion an opportunity to prove him wrong inside the Octagon.