UFC Fight Night: Manon Fiorot Wins Handily Over Erin Blanchfield
After defeating Erin Blanchfield on the scorecards, Manon Fiorot is now vying for the UFC women’s flyweight championship.
A women’s flyweight match between title contenders went the whole distance in the main event of UFC on ESPN 54, which was held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Manon Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) won a clean sweep unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45), and despite Blanchfield’s (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) best efforts, she was unable to overcome his takedown defense and right hand.
With quick blows, Fiorot got off to a great start. It was almost an expensive error, though, to try to keep Blanchfield wondering. Attempting to deliver a strong slam, Fiorot leveled up but was ensnared in a guillotine choke. After Fiorot managed to break free from the submit, which seemed deep at first, the rest of the round transpired on the feet.
Blanchfield nearly prevailed in Round 2 when she attempted to take the fight to the canvas on her terms, but Fiorot changed positions on the ground and got back up. Fiorot reacted well with jabs and sidekicks, thwarting Blanchfield’s eagerness to bridge the distance with attacks.
In Round 3, Fiorot maintained her impressive takedown defense, effortlessly turning aside Blanchfield’s attempts. Fiorot scored as well, circling around Blanchfield, who continued to charge forward, with counter right hands.
Blanchfield, with her back against the wall after losing three rounds, increased her speed. Blanchfield kept pushing through, causing tense moments, but Fiorot persisted with her countermove. Fiorot managed to survive the storm while generating interest for the early part of the round.
Blanchfield’s corner informed her she had to go for the finish with only five minutes remaining, and she certainly delivered. Fiorot was hit in the head by a kick, but Blanchfield was unable to get the necessary advantage to stop the fight.
In the interview that followed the fight, Fiorot demanded an opportunity at the flyweight belt.
Next up for filming on “The Ultimate Fighter” is current champion Alexa Grasso, who is competing against Valentina Shevchenko. After the season ends, it is anticipated that the two will meet later this year.
Fiorot spoke through an interpreter, “I want my title shot no matter what.”
Under the UFC umbrella, Fiorot is untarnished. Fiorot, who was victorious against Rose Namajunas, the former straw weight champion, secured her sixth victory in the promotion by ranking fifth in the most recent USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s flyweight rankings.
Blanchfield’s undefeated UFC career comes to an end with a possible shot at the title on the line. She began the promotion in 2021 and has progressed to this point with six wins in a row, but she will need to gather herself for her upcoming test.
