Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight championship at UFC 315, earning a hard-fought decision victory over challenger Manon Fiorot in the co-main event.
While the bout featured several competitive rounds, Shevchenko inflicted significant damage early on, fracturing Fiorot`s nose with a powerful punch in the opening round. A crucial knockdown scored by Shevchenko in the fourth round further solidified her lead on the judges` scorecards. Despite a determined effort from Fiorot, Shevchenko proved too formidable over the full five rounds, with all three judges scoring the fight 48-47 in favor of the champion.
Post-fight, Shevchenko commented, “I was expecting a very hard fight. Manon, she`s a hard opponent, a good striker. Everything we did to get ready for the fight, I was able to do. [I`ll] keep going. It`s like numbers are nothing. It`s about how you feel mentally and physically.”
An aggressive start by Fiorot was quickly met with sharp counter-strikes from Shevchenko. Exhibiting her trademark speed, Shevchenko landed several hard right hands, forcing Fiorot to adjust her strategy.
Another well-placed right hand landed, causing Fiorot`s nose to bleed profusely before Shevchenko briefly secured a takedown. Although Shevchenko didn`t capitalize with ground-and-pound, the sequence clearly disrupted Fiorot and necessitated a moment to reset.
Between rounds, Fiorot frequently touched her nose, visibly bothered by the injury. She did, however, manage to defend a subsequent takedown attempt from Shevchenko, creating space to return to striking exchanges in the center of the octagon.
Fiorot then attempted a takedown of her own, pressing Shevchenko against the cage and briefly maintaining control on the ground. Just before the round concluded, Fiorot threw an illegal knee, which Shevchenko managed to partially block with her arms. Referee Marc Goddard issued a firm warning to Fiorot for the foul.
Responding to Fiorot`s adjustments, Shevchenko focused on establishing her lead jab from the outside, while remaining vigilant for potential level changes and takedown attempts. When Fiorot closed the distance, she incorporated knees to the body, keeping Shevchenko guessing rather than solely relying on wrestling.
Shevchenko landed a spinning backfist that seemed to connect, but Fiorot pressed forward again, attempting another takedown as time expired.
Entering the championship rounds, the fight remained competitive. Fiorot continued to land strikes, prompting Shevchenko to increase her activity. This led to a perfectly timed spinning back kick to Fiorot`s body. Despite absorbing the shot, the French fighter maintained her forward pressure, a consistent tactic throughout the fight.
Late in the fourth round, Shevchenko landed another sharp counter right hand that sent the challenger crashing to the canvas. Shevchenko followed up with strikes on the ground, decisively shifting the momentum in her favor.
Shevchenko`s counter-striking continued to be effective, including another spinning backfist that landed hard as Fiorot advanced. Though the fight appeared to be slipping away, Fiorot persisted in seeking the clinch but couldn`t secure a takedown. Shevchenko made her pay whenever she had space to operate.
Ultimately, Shevchenko`s offensive output and ability to land impactful strikes prevented Fiorot from finding a consistent rhythm. The flyweight championship remains with arguably the greatest female flyweight in UFC history.
At 37, Shevchenko shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to defeat top contenders, adding significant accolades to her already Hall of Fame worthy career.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely