Manon Fiorot respects Valentina Shevchenko‘s achievements but believes the UFC flyweight division, including herself, has caught up, as she prepares to challenge Shevchenko for the title at UFC 315, expressing confidence in her size, strength, and skills.
Manon Fiorot respects Valentina Shevchenko’s career achievements but feels the UFC flyweight division has caught up. Fiorot faces Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 315 in Montreal this Saturday. “The Beast” has dominated her seven UFC fights, establishing herself as a top contender. However, she had to wait for Shevchenko’s trilogy with Alexa Grasso to end.
Shevchenko reclaimed the title with a decisive victory over Grasso at UFC 306 last September. When asked if she was impressed, Fiorot said, “No, to be honest, I’m not impressed by her performance.” She described it as “lay and pray,” dismissing it as unimpressive.
Fiorot anticipates Shevchenko will try to take her down. Confidently, she stated, “I’m trained for that,” referencing her last fight against Erin Blanchfield. Fiorot’s victory over Blanchfield in UFC Atlantic City was a relief, finally earning her a title shot.
She believes Shevchenko is no longer the unbeatable force she once was. “She’s not the best woman in the world,” Fiorot explained. She pointed to Shevchenko’s recent close fights, suggesting the division’s level has risen.
Fiorot’s size and strength were key in her win over Blanchfield, and she sees them as advantages against Shevchenko. “I’m bigger and stronger,” she remarked, noting her higher punch output and better cardio.
The waiting game is over for Fiorot. No more delays due to Shevchenko vs. Grasso or the possibility of Zhang Weili skipping her for a title shot. If Dana White wraps the belt around her waist on Saturday, it will be a dream come true. “I’ve just thought about the belt since my first UFC fight,” Fiorot said, ready for her moment.