As Manon Fiorot climbs the ranks with precision and power, the question looms: can she crack the code to defeat Valentina Shevchenko?
The UFC women’s flyweight division has witnessed many challengers come and go. Most have fallen short against the dominant champion. Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko has ruled the 125-pound division with an iron fist since 2018. Her technical striking and grappling mastery have made her one of UFC’s most respected champions. Only Alexa Grasso managed to briefly interrupt her reign with that shocking submission win in 2023.
Now a new challenger emerges from France with momentum on her side. Manon Fiorot brings an impressive unbeaten UFC streak into the most important bout of her career. The former karate champion has smashed through UFC competition since her 2021 debut. Her fighting style combines disciplined striking with surprising power. Many believe she could be the puzzle Shevchenko hasn’t solved yet. UFC 315 will answer whether the division gets a new queen or if the champion reasserts her dominance.
Valentina Shevchenko’s path to greatness started long before most fans knew her name. She began training in martial arts as a tiny five-year-old in Kyrgyzstan. Her mother, the president of their country’s Muay Thai federation, introduced her to the fighting world. Little did anyone know this small girl would become one of MMA’s most decorated champions. Shevchenko competed in over 500 kickboxing matches before transitioning to MMA in 2003.
The ‘Bullet’ nickname fits her perfectly. She strikes with precision and speed that few can match. Despite being 37 years old now, Shevchenko shows few signs of slowing down. Her championship mindset remains her greatest weapon and this approach has helped her recapture the title after her surprise loss to Grasso and establish herself once again as the division’s ultimate challenge.
Her fighting IQ stands among the highest in the sport. Shevchenko adapts mid-fight better than almost anyone. She reads opponents like chess pieces, finding patterns and exploiting weaknesses. Her 52% striking accuracy shows her efficiency.. When the fight hits the ground, her 64% takedown accuracy demonstrates she is far more than just a striker. She even controlled Grasso on the ground in the third fight. With 24 wins against only 4 losses across a two-decade career, her experience advantage cannot be overstated.
Manon Fiorot’s MMA journey began much later than the champion’s. She only turned professional in 2018 after transitioning from karate. Her debut resulted in her only professional loss, but that setback lit a fire. She hasn’t tasted defeat since. The French fighter combines technical precision with surprising power. Her six knockout victories show she carries fight-ending ability in her hands.
What makes Fiorot especially dangerous is her takedown defense. At an astounding 93%, she routinely keeps fights standing where she can utilize her striking background. Standing two inches taller than Shevchenko gives her a slight reach advantage on paper. Though her striking accuracy sits lower at 41%, she makes up for it with volume and pressure. Her fighting style forces opponents to work at an uncomfortable pace.
The 35-year-old knows this championship opportunity might be her best shot. Her unbeaten winning streak has built momentum few contenders bring into title fights. Now, it remains to be seen if she can capitalize and get the title from the champion.
When elite fighters meet, small advantages often determine the outcome. Shevchenko holds edges in striking accuracy and submission skills. Her seven submission victories show her danger on the ground. Fiorot counters with superior takedown defense and youthful energy. The champion’s experience in five-round fights gives her a proven gas tank. Fiorot has never gone beyond three rounds in the UFC.
The fight likely hinges on who controls distance. Shevchenko thrives in the pocket where she can land combinations and grab clinches. Fiorot prefers fighting at range where her longer strikes can score without return fire. Both women have strong kicking attacks that they use to maintain their preferred distance. The first round might look like a chess match as they gauge timing and reactions.
Will Shevchenko add another name to her list of conquered challengers? Or will Fiorot complete her remarkable rise and become France’s first UFC women’s champion? The beauty of combat sports lies in these unanswerable questions!
(Image Credit: Craig Kidwell – Imagn Images)
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