Valentina Shevchenko isn’t staying silent as tensions erupt before one of the year’s most anticipated matchups!
Since her debut in the octagon, Valentina Shevchenko has been a force of nature. Her technical precision, calm demeanor, and deadly striking have made her one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. The Kyrgyzstani fighter reclaimed her flyweight throne from Alexa Grasso last year at UFC 306, ending their trilogy with a masterful performance.
But even the most respected champions face challengers eager to make a name for themselves. And that is exactly what Manon Fiorot, the French striker who has been steadily climbing the rankings is doing. With a perfect UFC record and impressive wins over former title challengers, Fiorot has earned her shot at gold. The matchup set for this weekend’s co-main event at UFC 315 in Montreal promised to be a tactical striking battle between two of the division’s best. But what started as mutual respect has apparently soured, at least from Shevchenko’s perspective, after some unexpected trash talk from her normally quiet opponent.
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At UFC 315 Media Day, Shevchenko didn’t hide her feelings about Fiorot’s comments. The champion’s irritation stems from statements Fiorot made shortly after Shevchenko reclaimed her title last year. The French contender boldly claimed she would not only defeat Shevchenko but force her into retirement, comments that came just a month after ‘Bullet’s’ victory over Grasso.
“I don’t think that it’s appropriate to compare myself to her, because I never will approach to any of my opponents so much disrespect that she did…She started to throw this Tweet a little bit too soon, in my opinion, because I just fought. It was one month after the fight. But I understand, she was desperate.”
Shevchenko believes the timing of these comments reveals Fiorot’s insecurity. The champion’s assessment isn’t entirely without merit. Fans have seen this before in the UFC, where fighters sometimes feel the need to make noise to secure their position in line (Colby Covington comes to mind). Sometimes these tactics are born more from necessity than genuine animosity.
It is worth noting that Fiorot is the favourite going into this fight. This has probably given her more confidence in herself. Despite her displeasure with Fiorot’s comments, Shevchenko maintains that the trash talk won’t affect her performance. When asked if Fiorot’s words bothered her, the champion gave a firm “Nothing,” before explaining that her extensive career has immunized her against such tactics.
That said, Shevchenko couldn’t help but reveal a certain satisfaction she gets from humbling overconfident opponents. This weekend in Montreal, Fiorot will have her chance to back up her bold claims, but she will be facing a champion who is not just fighting for her belt, but to teach a lesson in respect!
(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)
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