Valentina Shevchenko secured another successful title defense on Saturday night, defeating Manon Fiorot in the co-main event of UFC 315.
Though a couple of rounds were closely contested, Shevchenko inflicted significantly more damage throughout the fight. A powerful punch in the first round broke Fiorot`s nose, and a fourth-round knockdown further solidified Shevchenko`s lead on the judges` scorecards. Fiorot displayed toughness, but the reigning flyweight champion proved superior over the full five rounds, earning a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47 in her favor.
“I anticipated a very challenging fight,” Shevchenko commented after her victory. “Manon is a tough opponent and a skilled striker. I was able to execute everything we prepared for the fight. I`ll keep moving forward. Age means nothing; it`s about your mental and physical state.”
Fiorot opened the fight aggressively, but Shevchenko responded with a sharp counter punch that immediately made an impact. Shevchenko`s quick strikes, particularly hard right hands, compelled Fiorot to modify her offensive approach.
Another right hand landed, causing significant damage to Fiorot`s nose, which immediately began bleeding heavily. This moment was quickly followed by Fiorot conceding a takedown to the champion. Although Shevchenko didn`t inflict further damage on the ground, Fiorot clearly used the position to recover and reset after a difficult start to the bout.
Even after being tended to between rounds, Fiorot frequently touched her injured nose, indicating her discomfort. She managed to successfully defend against a takedown attempt by Shevchenko, creating space to return to striking exchanges in the middle of the octagon.
Fiorot then secured a takedown herself, controlling Shevchenko against the cage and on the mat. Just before the round ended, Fiorot threw an illegal knee, but Shevchenko managed to block it with her arms.
Subsequently, referee Marc Goddard issued a stern warning to Fiorot regarding the illegal strike.
Responding to Fiorot`s adjustments, Shevchenko focused on utilizing her lead jab from distance while staying vigilant for potential takedown attempts signaled by level changes. When Fiorot successfully closed the distance, she opted for knees to the body instead of relying solely on wrestling, aiming to keep Shevchenko off balance.
Shevchenko landed a spinning backfist, but Fiorot quickly closed the distance again, attempting another takedown before the round concluded.
As the bout entered the championship rounds, Fiorot remained competitive and continued to press forward, compelling Shevchenko to increase her activity. This led to a perfectly timed spinning back kick to Fiorot`s body, as the French fighter maintained her forward pressure, a tactic she employed throughout most of the fight.
Nearing the end of the fourth round, Shevchenko landed another impactful counter right hand, sending the challenger, Fiorot, down to the canvas. Shevchenko followed up with ground strikes, decisively shifting the momentum of the fight.
Shevchenko`s counter-striking continued to be effective, culminating in another powerful spinning backfist that connected as Fiorot advanced. Although the fight appeared to be slipping away, Fiorot persistently sought the clinch, but she couldn`t secure takedowns. Shevchenko punished her whenever space allowed.
Ultimately, the difference lay in Shevchenko`s consistent offense, which prevented Fiorot from establishing any significant rhythm. The championship title thus remained with arguably the greatest flyweight in UFC history.
At 37 years old, Shevchenko continues to defeat top contenders, showing no signs of slowing down. This victory further solidifies her legendary status and adds another accomplishment to her Hall of Fame-worthy career.
