UFC 315: Shevchenko vs Fiorot – Results & Highlights
- Valentina Shevchenko,37,cemented her legacy in mixed martial arts by successfully defending her UFC women's flyweight title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 in Montreal.
- The victory marks Shevchenko's first defense of her second title reign at 125 pounds and extends her UFC record for title-bout victories by a female fighter to 10.
- Shevchenko initially dominated the first round with sharp counter-strikes, bloodying Fiorot's nose.
Valentina Shevchenko Edges Out Manon fiorot in UFC 315 Title defense
Valentina Shevchenko,37,cemented her legacy in mixed martial arts by successfully defending her UFC women’s flyweight title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 in Montreal. The Kyrgyzstan native secured a unanimous decision victory (48-47 on all cards) in a tense co-main event, adding another chapter to her storied career.
The victory marks Shevchenko’s first defense of her second title reign at 125 pounds and extends her UFC record for title-bout victories by a female fighter to 10. Fiorot, 35, proved a formidable challenger, pushing the champion to her limits.
Shevchenko initially dominated the first round with sharp counter-strikes, bloodying Fiorot’s nose. Though, Fiorot rallied in the subsequent rounds, utilizing takedowns and clinch work to slow the pace and gain an advantage. Shevchenko, known for her adaptability, adjusted her strategy in the championship rounds.
The spinning backfist became a key weapon for shevchenko, who also landed crucial right hands in Round 4, dropping Fiorot. A closely contested Round 5 saw Shevchenko’s counter-striking edge out Fiorot’s clinch efforts, securing the victory.
“I was expecting a very hard fight as Manon is a hard opponent and a good striker but everything that I worked on in terms of getting ready for the fight,I was able to do,” Shevchenko said.
“For so many years, my main training partner was my sister [former UFC flyweight] Antonina [Shevchenko] and she was a southpaw so I dedicate this victory to her and to my mom,” Shevchenko said. “[The key is to] keep going [at this age]. It’s like, numbers are nothing, it’s more vital how you feel mentally and physically. It’s how you perform.”
The defeat was Fiorot’s first as 2018, ending a seven-fight UFC win streak that included victories over former title challengers and champions. This UFC 315 victory further solidifies Shevchenko’s place among the greatest female fighters in MMA history, showcasing her resilience and strategic brilliance in the face of a tough challenge. Her ability to make crucial adjustments during the fight proved to be the deciding factor in retaining her flyweight title.
What’s next
Shevchenko is expected to take some time off before planning her next title defense. Potential opponents include rising contenders in the flyweight division.