Valentina Shevchenko appears determined to make a statement in her upcoming fight.
This Saturday, Shevchenko is set to defend her flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot in the co-main event of UFC 315. While `Bullet` is generally known for her respectful attitude towards her opponents, she seems to have taken issue with some of Fiorot`s recent actions and comments.
Speaking at the UFC 315 Media Day, Shevchenko stated, “I don’t feel it`s appropriate to compare myself to her, because I would never show the level of disrespect towards any of my opponents that she has shown.”
Shevchenko`s concerns regarding Fiorot reportedly stem from last year. Shortly after Shevchenko reclaimed the flyweight title from Alexa Grasso at UFC 306, `The Beast` publicly challenged her, declaring her intention to retire `Bullet.` This move was seen as unexpected trash talk from the usually reserved Fiorot, which Shevchenko believes was motivated by Fiorot feeling uncertainty about her contender status.
According to Shevchenko, Fiorot`s social media callout came prematurely. “In my opinion, she started posting this tweet a bit too soon, as I had just fought,” Shevchenko commented. “It was only one month after the fight. However, I understand she felt desperate; she experienced a slight delay. But ultimately, I think everything worked out perfectly.”
Shevchenko feels that Fiorot`s uncharacteristic trash talk is more likely to impact Fiorot herself than bother `Bullet.`
When asked if Fiorot’s comments affected her, Shevchenko responded simply, “Nothing.” She elaborated, “My history in martial arts spans many years. I began training at age five, and before joining the UFC, I was already a 17-time world champion in Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing. Imagine the variety of individuals I’ve encountered and the things they’ve said. If everything bothered me, I would never have achieved what I have. I believe my strongest ability is to filter out the surrounding noise and focus on my main objective.”
Despite this, `Bullet` couldn`t resist admitting that she anticipates enjoying the moment when the cage door closes on Saturday and Fiorot is forced to back up her words, suggesting satisfaction in the potential to humble her opponent.
Shevchenko expressed her preference for facing opponents who come in with high confidence and make bold predictions, such as forecasting a finish. “I enjoy this when people approach the fight with so much confidence,” Shevchenko said. “They declare, `It’s going to be a finish,` or similar things. But the moment I truly relish is seeing their frustration inside the octagon when they realize their game plan isn’t working. Witnessing them break down is the most satisfying feeling.”
UFC 315 is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th, and will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The event is headlined by a welterweight title bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
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