Here are the highlights from the intense co-main event bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot at UFC 315.
This highly anticipated fight took place on May 10th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. Valentina Shevchenko entered the bout with a record of 25-4-1, facing Manon Fiorot, whose record stood at 12-2.
Official Decision: Valentina Shevchenko defeated Manon Fiorot via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47).
Round-by-Round Recap
Round 1
Referee Marc Goddard oversaw the co-main event. Shevchenko started cautiously from the outside while Fiorot tested the range. Shevchenko landed crisp jabs as Fiorot advanced and countered a kick with a right hand. Fiorot threw a low kick, but Shevchenko responded with a right hook, showcasing sharp early striking. Fiorot landed a body kick, met by a Shevchenko counter-right. A check hook from Shevchenko significantly bloodied Fiorot`s nose. Shevchenko caught a kick and immediately secured a takedown, working effectively from half guard as Fiorot offered minimal offense. Shevchenko controlled the round.
Round 1 scores: 10-9 Shevchenko.
Overall: 10-9 Shevchenko.
Round 2
Shevchenko continued landing her counter-right. Fiorot attempted a shot, but Shevchenko successfully stuffed it and landed a body kick followed by a jab. Fiorot sought grappling, but Shevchenko tripped her; they quickly returned to their feet. Shevchenko went deep on a takedown attempt, met by impressive wrestling defense from Fiorot. Fiorot landed a jab, transitioned to a takedown attempt, which Shevchenko blocked. Fiorot maintained a body lock, with Shevchenko defending the hands. An elbow from Fiorot scored during the separation.
Fiorot initiated another takedown, powerfully driving Shevchenko down. The challenger demonstrated impressive strength. Fiorot then threw a knee towards Shevchenko`s head on the ground; it appeared questionable but was deemed permissible as Shevchenko blocked it.
Round 2 scores: 10-9 Fiorot.
Overall: 19-19.
Round 3
Fiorot led with her jab and aimed for takedowns, while Shevchenko maintained distance, landing leg kicks. In an exchange, Fiorot connected with an inside elbow. Fiorot`s jabs were effective, forcing Shevchenko to evade. Shevchenko attempted a level change, but Fiorot was ready. Fiorot landed multiple body knees from the clinch, forcing Shevchenko to disengage. Fiorot showed well in the third round.
Shevchenko landed a strong clinch knee to the jaw, but Fiorot powered through, pressing Shevchenko against the fence in a stalemate.
They reset, exchanging jabs. Fiorot went low for a takedown, testing Shevchenko`s balance to stay standing. Fiorot held onto Shevchenko`s torso, limiting action from both fighters.
Round 3 scores: 10-9 Fiorot.
Overall: 29-28 Fiorot.
Round 4
Shevchenko`s right hand landed effectively when she found the opportunity. Fiorot threw a high kick, which Valentina blocked and countered with a body spin kick. Shevchenko`s jab landed again; Fiorot`s nose continued to bleed. Fiorot clinched and pushed Shevchenko to the fence, leading to a reset in the center. Fiorot sought close exchanges, but Shevchenko`s jab was working well. Fiorot found it harder to close distance. Shevchenko landed another body spin kick.
Fiorot clinched again, landing a knee to the body and trying for a body lock, but Shevchenko defended, keeping the fight standing. Fiorot threw a lunging right. Shevchenko executed an incredible reaction takedown, putting Fiorot on the mat, though Fiorot stood up almost immediately without damage.
With time winding down, Fiorot pressured along the fence. Shevchenko slipped out, landing a left hand. Two quick right hands visibly rocked Fiorot, leading to a late knockdown that seemed to seal the round for Shevchenko.
Round 4 scores: 10-9 Shevchenko.
Overall: 38-38.
Round 5
The fight came down to the final round, a true test of will. Shevchenko landed straight punches as Fiorot pressed forward. A mistake could decide the outcome. They clashed, with Fiorot using a clinch knee to enter and tie Shevchenko up. Shevchenko pushed Fiorot back and landed a body kick.
Shevchenko landed a left hand down the middle. Fiorot responded with a left cross, met by a Shevchenko counter. Fiorot landed a body kick, and Shevchenko connected with a spinning backfist. Fiorot closed distance, aiming to neutralize Shevchenko against the fence.
Shevchenko landed a combination upon separation, followed by a superman punch. She attempted a takedown, but Fiorot spun her to the fence. Shevchenko escaped and circled away. Fiorot pursued, struggling to find an entry. Fiorot landed a couple of punches, pressuring Shevchenko again. Winning by control against the fence was a potential strategy for Fiorot.
Back to striking in the final minute. A late flurry or takedown could swing the decision. The punching exchanges were incredibly close. Shevchenko threw a spinning strike, and Fiorot landed an elbow. The round was difficult to score, but Shevchenko`s output might give her the edge, although Fiorot likely felt she had done enough to win.
Round 5 scores: 10-9 Shevchenko.
Final Score: 48-47 Shevchenko.
