Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her title once again on Saturday, defeating Manon Fiorot in the co-main event of UFC 315.
Although some rounds were close, Shevchenko inflicted significant damage throughout the bout. A powerful punch in the first round broke Fiorot`s nose, and Shevchenko later scored a knockdown in the fourth round, solidifying her lead on the judges` scorecards. Fiorot put up a brave fight, but Shevchenko proved too dominant over the five-round contest. All three judges scored the fight 48-47 in favor of the reigning flyweight champion.
“I was expecting a very hard fight,” Shevchenko said after securing the victory. “Manon, she’s a hard opponent, a good striker. Everything we did to get ready for the fight, I was able to do. [I’ll] keep going. It’s like numbers are nothing. It’s about how you feel mentally and physically.”
An aggressive start from Fiorot was met with a sharp counter strike from Shevchenko that immediately got Fiorot`s attention. Shevchenko showcased very fast strikes early on, forcing Fiorot to adjust her approach after absorbing several solid right hands.
Another right hand landed, causing Fiorot`s nose to bleed heavily. Soon after, Shevchenko secured a takedown. Although Shevchenko didn`t follow up with significant ground and pound damage, the takedown provided Fiorot a brief moment to recover after a difficult opening to the fight.
Even after being tended to between rounds, Fiorot frequently touched her nose, indicating it was still bothering her. She did manage to defend a takedown attempt from Shevchenko, pushing her opponent away to resume striking in the center of the cage.
Fiorot then initiated a takedown herself, pressing Shevchenko against the cage and maintaining control on the ground. Just before the round ended, Fiorot threw an illegal knee, but Shevchenko was able to block it with her arms.
Following the foul, referee Marc Goddard issued a stern warning to Fiorot for the illegal blow.
As Fiorot made adjustments to her strategy, Shevchenko focused on establishing her lead jab from distance, while staying alert for potential level changes and takedowns. When Fiorot closed the distance, she often opted for knees to the body instead of purely wrestling attempts, aiming to keep Shevchenko unsure of her intentions.
A spinning backfist from Shevchenko appeared to connect, but Fiorot still managed to close in and attempt another takedown before the round concluded.
Entering the championship rounds, Fiorot was keeping the fight competitive and scoring points, prompting Shevchenko to increase her activity. This led to a perfectly timed spinning back kick to the body as Fiorot continued her strategy of pressing forward for the majority of the fight.
Nearing the end of the fourth round, Shevchenko clipped Fiorot with another powerful counter right hand, sending the challenger to the canvas. Shevchenko landed follow-up punches on the ground, decisively shifting the momentum in her favor.
Shevchenko`s counter strikes remained highly effective throughout the fight. She landed another spinning backfist as Fiorot advanced. Despite the fight seemingly slipping away, Fiorot repeatedly sought the clinch but couldn`t secure a takedown, and Shevchenko capitalized whenever she had room to strike.
Ultimately, Shevchenko`s consistent offensive output was the key difference, preventing Fiorot from finding her rhythm. The championship title stays with arguably the greatest flyweight in UFC history.
At 37, Shevchenko shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to defeat top contenders, adding more accomplishments to her impressive career and solidifying her future Hall of Fame status.
