Last night in Montreal, the Nice native Manon Fiorot failed in her quest for the UFC flyweight world title. Against the reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko, the fight was highly uncertain.
Manon Fiorot did not succeed in capturing the UFC flyweight title. Facing Valentina Shevchenko on the night of Saturday, May 10 to Sunday, May 11, in Montreal, the Nice native was defeated by unanimous decision of the judges (48-47). A setback for the Nice native, who was aiming for the ultimate title in the premier league of MMA.
The fight started poorly for the one known as “The Beast”. Hit on the nose in the first round, Manon Fiorot was dominated in the distance exchanges. She tried to respond by taking her opponent to the ground in the following rounds, without much success. At the end of the fourth round, a right hook sent her to the canvas. She was saved by the bell.
A contested fight, but insufficient
The fifth round did not allow the Maralpine fighter to make a difference. Despite a few good moments, she could not disrupt her opponent’s strategy. Valentina Shevchenko, remaining solid, managed the key moments and grappling phases with skill.
At the end of the five rounds, the three judges gave the advantage to the Kyrgyz fighter. “I expected a tough fight against a good boxer, I was ready for this duel,” said Valentina Shevchenko after her victory. She retains her belt and confirms her status in the category.
Manon Fiorot did not wish to speak after the fight. Her broken nose required a trip to the hospital. Analysis of her performance will come later. This setback does not undermine her journey in the UFC, but France will still have to wait to see one of its representatives raise a world title. Like Ciryl Gane before her, Manon Fiorot stops at the doorstep of the title. However, it is surely just a brief setback for the Nice native who has shown the world that she has the tools to become the No. 1.
