This article presents highlights and a round-by-round recap of the full fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. The co-main event bout took place on May 10th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Valentina Shevchenko, with a professional record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, faced Manon Fiorot, whose record was 12 wins and 2 losses, in a highly anticipated clash that aired live on pay-per-view.
Round 1
The fight began with Referee Marc Goddard overseeing the action. Shevchenko initially stayed on the outside, while Fiorot tested the range. Shevchenko landed sharp jabs and a counter right, appearing precise early on. Fiorot landed a body kick, met by a counter-right from Shevchenko. A check hook from Shevchenko caused Fiorot`s nose to bleed significantly. Shevchenko then caught a kick and successfully secured a takedown, controlling Fiorot in half guard for the remainder of the round. Shevchenko appeared to take the first round confidently.
Round 2
Shevchenko continued to land her counter right. Fiorot attempted a takedown, which Shevchenko defended effectively. Shevchenko landed a jab and a body kick, maintaining control of the striking exchanges. Fiorot sought grappling exchanges; Shevchenko successfully tripped her, but they returned to standing. Shevchenko then went for a deep takedown, but Fiorot displayed strong wrestling defense. Fiorot landed a jab and attempted a takedown, which Shevchenko blocked, but Fiorot secured a body lock. An elbow from Fiorot landed upon separation. Fiorot then successfully completed a forceful takedown, putting Shevchenko on the mat. Fiorot threw a knee towards Shevchenko`s head while she was grounded, which was potentially illegal but seemingly allowed as it was blocked.
Round 3
In the third round, Fiorot began leading with her jab and focusing on securing takedowns. Shevchenko effectively managed the distance, landing leg kicks. They exchanged blows, with Fiorot landing an inside elbow. Fiorot`s jabs were effective, forcing Shevchenko to evade. Shevchenko attempted a level change, but Fiorot anticipated it. Fiorot landed multiple body knees, breaking Shevchenko`s clinch attempt. Fiorot showed a strong performance this round. Shevchenko landed a good knee in the clinch, but Fiorot used her strength to push Shevchenko against the cage, resulting in a stalemate. After resetting, jabs were exchanged. Fiorot attempted a low takedown, testing Shevchenko`s balance. Fiorot held Shevchenko`s torso without significant offense, limiting Shevchenko`s options as well.
Round 4
Shevchenko`s right hand proved effective whenever she could connect. Fiorot threw a high kick which Shevchenko blocked, countering with a body spin kick. Shevchenko`s jab landed, and Fiorot`s nose continued to bleed. Fiorot managed to push Shevchenko against the fence briefly, but they reset. Shevchenko`s jab controlled the distance, preventing Fiorot from closing in easily. Shevchenko landed another body spin kick. Fiorot attempted a clinch and knee to the body, seeking a body lock, but Shevchenko defended and kept the fight standing. Fiorot threw a lunging right. Shevchenko executed a swift reaction takedown, putting Fiorot down, but Fiorot quickly got back to her feet. As time wound down, Fiorot pressured Shevchenko against the fence again. Shevchenko escaped and landed a left hand, followed by two quick right hands that visibly hurt Fiorot, resulting in a late knockdown that secured the round for Shevchenko.
Round 5
The fight entered the final round, a true battle of wills. Shevchenko landed straight punches as Fiorot advanced. A single error could prove decisive. They clashed, with Fiorot using a clinch knee to engage and tie up Shevchenko. Shevchenko pushed her back and landed a body kick. Shevchenko landed a left hand down the middle, countered a left cross from Fiorot, and landed a spinning backfist. Fiorot closed the distance, attempting to control Shevchenko against the fence. Shevchenko landed a combination after separating and also attempted a Superman punch and a level change for a takedown. Fiorot defended, pushing her to the fence, but Shevchenko escaped and resumed circling. Fiorot pursued, struggling to find openings. Fiorot connected with a couple of punches and pressured Shevchenko again, potentially aiming to win by control against the cage. The final 45 seconds saw striking exchanges, with a flurry or takedown potentially deciding the outcome. The striking was very close. Shevchenko landed a spinning strike, met by an elbow from Fiorot. It was a very close round, difficult to score definitively, perhaps favoring Shevchenko slightly due to activity, though Fiorot likely felt she had done enough.
Ultimately, Valentina Shevchenko was declared the winner by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47 in her favor.
