Wang Cong’s Joker Persona Aims to Strike Fear in Opponents


Wang Cong before her fight against Ariane da Silva

Before every fight, 34‑year‑old Wang Cong dyes her hair bright green, paints her face white and draws an unmistakable red grin that has earned her the nickname “Joker.” The Chinese striker says the look is inspired by the playing‑card joker rather than the comic‑book villain.


She believes the paint lets her “feel the fear” in her opponents and gives her a psychological edge. Walking into the Octagon with her face covered, Cong says there is nothing really different between her painted and unpainted self – it is her true personality on display.


On Saturday, the UFC will host a title fight for the vacant flyweight world belt at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. Wang will face Brazil’s Natalia Silva, who is ranked No. 1 in the UFC and has a 14‑fight winning streak across several promotions.


In anticipation of the fight, Cong has already begun her Joker ritual. She has haunted opponents at weigh‑ins in face paint, tossed an imaginary coin, pretended to shoot a gun, and even gave Tracy Cortez a pack of fake eyelashes before their 2024 encounter. Now she is gearing up for a final “surprise” at the Delta Centre.


Silva’s opponent is a fan favourite after knocking out three former champions and maintaining strong footwork, distance control and kicks.


Cong notes the significant milestone the fight represents: the first women’s main event at a flagship UFC event since Mackenzie Dern’s victory over Amanda Ribas in January 2025, and the first time two women headlined a UFC numbered event since Amanda Nunes’ 2023 win.


She sees the fight as a chance to elevate women’s MMA, especially in China, where she hopes her success will encourage more athletes to take up mixed‑martial‑arts. A win would make her only the second Chinese athlete to hold a UFC title, following former strawweight champion Zhang Weili.


The event has attracted criticism from some fans who wanted other names in the main event, such as Jiri Prochazka, Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira. When asked whether she has a response, Cong said simply, “I’ve got nothing to say right now. After my fight I think they will shut up.”