This is a fascinating matchup between two of the best in the women’s flyweight division. Valentina Shevchenko, the dominant champion with a diverse, well-rounded skill set, faces Manon Fiorot, the rising contender with a powerful striking game and elite athleticism. With Shevchenko’s legendary reign on the line, this fight has massive implications for the flyweight landscape.
The main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot is a critical title bout in the women’s flyweight division. Shevchenko, currently ranked #1 pound-for-pound in the UFC, is known for her elite Muay Thai, grappling, and strategic fight IQ. She is an experienced champion with dominant victories over top competitors like Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, and Alexa Grasso. At 5'5" with a 66-inch reach, Shevchenko uses her striking accuracy, clinch game, and wrestling to dictate fights from start to finish.
Fiorot, ranked #2 in the division, is a rising star who has impressed with her combination of power and technical striking. Standing at 5'6" with a 67-inch reach, Fiorot brings explosive striking, with her knockout ability being a major threat. She has earned impressive victories over established names like Katlyn Chookagian and Rose Namajunas. While her striking is elite, the question remains if Fiorot can handle Shevchenko’s fight control and defense over five rounds.
This fight hinges on whether Fiorot can close the distance and land damaging strikes without getting controlled by Shevchenko’s superior clinch and grappling. Shevchenko’s ability to avoid Fiorot’s power and wear her down over the rounds with her technical striking and positional control could be the deciding factor in this high-level contest.
Valentina Shevchenko – Last 5 Fights
1. Win vs. Alexa Grasso – Decision (Unanimous) (Sep 14, 2024)
2. Draw vs. Alexa Grasso – Draw (Split) (Sep 16, 2023)
3. Loss vs. Alexa Grasso – Submission (Face Crank) (Mar 4, 2023)
4. Win vs. Taila Santos – Decision (Split) (Jun 12, 2022)
5. Win vs. Lauren Murphy – TKO (Elbows and Punches) (Sep 25, 2021)
Manon Fiorot – Last 5 Fights
1. Win vs. Erin Blanchfield – Decision (Unanimous) (Mar 30, 2024)
2. Win vs. Rose Namajunas – Decision (Unanimous) (Sep 2, 2023)
3. Win vs. Katlyn Chookagian – Decision (Unanimous) (Oct 22, 2022)
4. Win vs. Jennifer Maia – Decision (Unanimous) (Mar 26, 2022)
5. Win vs. Mayra Bueno Silva – Decision (Unanimous) (Oct 16, 2021)
Prediction
Valentina Shevchenko def. Manon Fiorot via Unanimous Decision (49-46 x3)
