Manon Fiorot’s clash with Valentina Shevchenko is not just another title fight—it’s a pivotal moment that could reshape the women’s flyweight division and shift the UFC’s global narrative
Whether it ends in a shocking upset or a champion’s triumphant defense, fans are guaranteed to witness something special in Montreal.
As UFC 315 approaches, the anticipation continues to build. One fighter is chasing destiny. The other is defending a legacy. Only one will walk out of the Bell Centre with the UFC gold.
The UFC 315 clash between Manon Fiorot and Valentina Shevchenko is one of the most anticipated women’s title fights in recent memory. It’s a classic battle of the rising contender against the seasoned champion.
While Shevchenko has the edge in experience, grappling, and five-round knowledge, Fiorot has youth, momentum, and elite striking skills on her side.
Can Fiorot beat Shevchenko? The answer is yes—if she executes the perfect game plan. It won’t be easy, but it’s no longer an impossible task.
With Shevchenko showing signs of vulnerability and Fiorot peaking at the right time, this could be the French striker’s moment to make history.
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Manon Fiorot Set to Challenge Valentina Shevchenko for UFC Gold at UFC 315
This weekend marks a defining moment in the UFC women’s flyweight division as rising contender Manon Fiorot steps into the Octagon to challenge the reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315.1
The highly anticipated pay-per-view event takes place at the iconic Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, promising an electrifying showdown with championship implications.
For Manon Fiorot, the opportunity to compete for UFC gold is the culmination of years of relentless work and steady progression. Hailing from France, Fiorot has made a name for herself with her technical striking, unshakeable composure, and calculated aggression.
She entered the UFC with a dominant win over Victoria Leonardo and has since built an impressive resume with victories over the likes of Mayra Bueno Silva, Jennifer Maia, and former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian.
Her UFC run has been nothing short of flawless, boasting an undefeated record in the promotion. Fiorot’s combination of karate-based striking and high fight IQ has made her a difficult puzzle to solve, and now she finds herself on the cusp of history, potentially becoming France’s first female UFC champion.
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Valentina Shevchenko: The Division’s Dominant Force
- On the opposite side of the cage stands the battle-tested champion, Valentina Shevchenko, widely regarded as one of the most dominant female fighters in UFC history.
- Shevchenko reclaimed her momentum after a controversial split-decision loss to Alexa Grasso in 2023 and comes into this fight determined to remind the world why she’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Known for her precision striking, world-class Muay Thai, and ever-improving grappling, Shevchenko has defended her title multiple times with stunning consistency.
- Her resume features wins over elite opponents including Jessica Andrade, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, and Lauren Murphy. Now, she seeks to fend off a hungry challenger and reaffirm her supremacy.
- The Fiorot vs. Shevchenko matchup is more than just a battle for the belt — it’s a stylistic clash of elite-level martial artists. Fiorot’s distance control and footwork make her an expert at dictating pace.
- Her karate background enables her to strike from unconventional angles, often catching opponents off guard.
- Shevchenko, however, is a master of range and timing, with the ability to switch gears mid-fight. Her experience against a diverse array of opponents gives her a strategic advantage.
- Both fighters are incredibly disciplined and calculated, suggesting this fight may unfold as a high-level chess match rather than a brawl.
Manon Fiorot’s Keys to Winning
To pull off the upset, Fiorot will need to fight the perfect fight. Her movement and striking must remain sharp for all five rounds.2
She cannot afford to get trapped against the cage or taken down, areas where Shevchenko excels.
Fiorot’s best path to victory lies in maintaining range, utilizing her jab and kicks to disrupt Shevchenko’s rhythm, and capitalizing on counter-striking opportunities.
If she can stay elusive and pick her shots carefully, the French striker could frustrate the champion and score a decision win.
Shevchenko’s Strategy: Pressure and Adaptation
For Shevchenko, the key to retaining her title is pressure and adaptation. While Fiorot is elusive, Shevchenko can cut off the cage effectively and wear her opponents down with clinch work and body shots.
Shevchenko’s takedowns and top control have become increasingly dangerous in recent fights. If she can close the distance, bring Fiorot to the mat, and impose her ground game, she could finish the fight or dominate long enough to win on the judges’ scorecards.
Fan and Analyst Predictions: A Divided Crowd
UFC fans and analysts are somewhat divided in their predictions for this fight. While many respect Shevchenko’s experience and championship pedigree, others believe Fiorot’s unblemished UFC run and evolving skill set make her a serious threat.
Some insiders view Fiorot as the “dark horse” of the division, pointing to her ability to neutralize opponents with minimal damage.
Others, however, argue that Shevchenko’s championship mettle and ability to adjust mid-fight will ultimately carry her to victory.
A Potential Passing of the Torch?
Every generation in MMA sees the rise of a new champion who redefines what is possible in their division. With Fiorot’s momentum and Shevchenko nearing her mid-thirties, UFC 315 could serve as a symbolic passing of the torch — or a powerful reminder that greatness still resides with the reigning queen.
Whether Fiorot emerges as the new face of the flyweight division or Shevchenko reinforces her reign, the outcome of this title clash will have lasting effects on the women’s MMA landscape.
UFC 315 isn’t just about the title fight. The co-main event features a pivotal lightweight bout between top contenders, and the card also includes several rising prospects and fan favorites. Montreal is in for a thrilling night of action from start to finish.
Notable fighters set to compete include Canadian welterweight Mike Malott, featherweight contender Arnold Allen, and undefeated middleweight Bo Nickal. UFC 315 has all the makings of a card-of-the-year contender.
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Could Manon Fiorot Beat Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315?
A Rocky Start to a Rising Career
Manon Fiorot’s entry into the world of professional MMA didn’t start with a fairytale win.3
At CW 94 in 2018, the French fighter lost via split decision to Leah McCourt. However, that early setback became a turning point rather than a defining moment.
Since that lone defeat, Fiorot has gone on an impressive run, stringing together 12 consecutive victories and climbing steadily up the UFC’s flyweight rankings.
Her journey from a debut loss to a championship contender has captured the attention of MMA fans around the world.
Grappling: The X-Factor
One area where Shevchenko holds a clear edge is in grappling. Though Fiorot has shown solid takedown defense, she has yet to face a grappler of Shevchenko’s caliber.
The former champ’s ability to mix in trips, throws, and control on the mat has helped her dominate fighters with striking backgrounds in the past.
If Shevchenko decides to pursue a grappling-heavy approach, she could nullify Fiorot’s movement and striking.
Fiorot will need to be especially mindful of clinch positions, where Shevchenko often sets up trips and judo throws.
Conditioning and Championship Rounds
Another factor in Shevchenko’s favor is her experience in five-round fights.
She has gone the distance multiple times and knows how to pace herself through all 25 minutes. Fiorot, while durable and well-conditioned, has yet to be tested over five rounds in the UFC.
If the fight reaches the fourth and fifth rounds, Shevchenko’s championship experience could prove critical.
However, Fiorot’s high-paced style and ability to maintain pressure could also wear down Shevchenko if she can avoid damage early.
Manon Fiorot’s Explosive Climb Through the Ranks
After making her UFC debut in 2021, Fiorot made it clear she was not just another name in the women’s flyweight division.
Her debut performance showcased her power, precision, and elite-level striking skills.
Six of her 12 wins have come by knockout, underlining her finishing ability, while the remaining six decisions reflect her cardio, composure, and technical control over three rounds.
Notable victories over high-caliber opponents like former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, the surging Mayra Bueno Silva, and rising contender Erin Blanchfield have cemented her status as a top contender.
Fiorot has proven she can not only survive at the highest level but dominate in multiple areas of the game.
A Battle of Combat Disciplines
Both Fiorot and Shevchenko come from striking backgrounds, which makes their upcoming clash at UFC 315 even more intriguing.
Fiorot’s foundation is rooted in kickboxing and Muay Thai, the very same arts that helped Shevchenko become one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. However, what separates them are their adaptations of those arts into MMA.
Shevchenko is known for her clinical and precise striking, fluid transitions into grappling, and world-class fight IQ.
Her ability to control distance, pick her shots, and mix in takedowns with seamless timing has made her one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.
Fiorot, on the other hand, leans more into her aggressive striking, using movement and volume to overwhelm her opponents.
Shevchenko’s Recent Vulnerabilities
Despite her dominance, Valentina Shevchenko has recently shown signs of vulnerability. At UFC 285, she suffered a stunning submission loss to Alexa Grasso, losing her flyweight title.
The two met again at Noche UFC, which resulted in a razor-close draw, and Shevchenko reclaimed her title at Noche UFC 306 after a grueling five-round battle.
These performances raised questions about whether Shevchenko is beginning to slow down.
Once seen as nearly untouchable, opponents are now finding more success against her—whether by closing the distance or capitalizing on small mistakes.
While she remains elite, the aura of invincibility around her has slightly dimmed.
Manon Fiorot’s Advantages Going Into UFC 315
According to Xtreme Couture MMA coach Eddie Barraco, Fiorot’s distance management and striking volume are two of her most dangerous weapons.
In an interview with UFC writer E. Spencer Kyte, Barraco noted:
“I think her [Shevchenko’s] Fight IQ and her versatility are the biggest things… I think being able to mix her striking with her grappling fluidly is something that will give her a well-rounded edge here. With Fiorot, she does a really good job with distance management and striking volume. I think she’s good at keeping opponents at the end of her strikes, using her range, and her footwork.”
Fiorot’s ability to stay on the outside, use lateral movement, and pepper her opponents with punches and kicks without being caught in the pocket could frustrate Shevchenko.
If Fiorot can dictate the pace, avoid the clinch, and stuff takedowns, she could take the fight into her domain.
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The Mental Edge: Confidence vs Experience
Heading into UFC 315, Fiorot appears mentally ready for the biggest challenge of her career. Riding a 12-fight win streak and fresh off dominating performances, she’s brimming with confidence.
In contrast, Shevchenko—while still a highly intelligent and prepared fighter—is under pressure to prove she hasn’t declined.
The mental game in MMA is crucial. Fighters who believe they can win are often better prepared to take risks, stay focused, and execute a game plan.
Fiorot’s unshakeable mindset might give her the edge in high-stress moments if the fight goes into deep waters.
The Stylistic Matchup: Volume vs Precision
Stylistically, this fight pits Fiorot’s high-output striking against Shevchenko’s surgical precision. Fiorot tends to throw more volume, using a steady mix of jabs, kicks, and movement to chip away at her opponents.
Shevchenko, on the other hand, prefers to wait for openings, often throwing less but landing with greater accuracy and power.
The outcome may depend on whether Shevchenko can time Fiorot’s entries and counter effectively. If Fiorot’s volume begins to disrupt Shevchenko’s rhythm, the challenger could start pulling ahead on the scorecards.
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