Meta Description: Explore the journey of Manon Fiorot, from her early days in France to becoming a top UFC contender. Delve into her fighting style, career milestones, and the epic battle against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315.
Manon Fiorot: The Rise of France’s MMA Powerhouse and Her UFC 315 Showdown
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
- Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
- Professional MMA Career
- UFC Journey and Notable Fights
- Fighting Style and Strengths
- UFC 315: Clash with Valentina Shevchenko
- Post-Fight Reflections and Future Prospects
- Conclusion
Introduction
Known as “The Beast”, Manon Fiorot is working her way up through the ranks of the UFC women’s flyweight division. Fiorot was born in Nice, France, and came to get to this point in her athletic career as a national champion in karate. Her latest bout against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315 has further legitimized her status as one of the toughest competitors in the flyweight division.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Born February 17, 1990 in Nice, France, Manon Fiorot began her career in athletics at just seven years old practicing karate. Fiorot was not a one sport athlete, as she transitioned to snowboarding soon after and even became the French Snowboarding Champion. Once she returned to karate at 18 years old, she reacted quickly and attained her black belt and technically became a member of the French team. Following a major injury in 2014, Fiorot took to kickboxing and Muay Thai and won several National titles in either sport.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Manon Fiorot first stepped into MMA in 2017 at the IMMAF European Open Championships. Although she lost in the finals, she quickly recovered and ended the year by winning the IMMAF World Championships. Subsequently, she made her professional debut in 2018 against Leah McCourt at Cage Warriors 94. Even though Fiorot lost that fight by split decision, her perseverance shone through at EFC in 2019 when she became the EFC Women’s Flyweight World Champion. In 2020, she captured the USA MMA Flyweight Championship.
Professional MMA Career
Manon Fiorot has a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 2 losses. The breakdown shows that she has won 6 fights by both knockout and decisions (6). She has been finished in a fight by KO or submission in any of her 12 wins, and she has only lost by decision.
UFC Journey and Notable Fights
Manon Fiorot signed with the UFC in 2021, and in just her first few fights, she earned notoriety for her talents. Some of her notable wins were against former Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and Erin Blanchfield, who is now one of the top contenders in the flyweight division. After beating Blanchfield, Fiorot was ranked at the top of the flyweight division and earned a title shot at UFC 315 against reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko!
Fighting Style and Strengths
By fighting style, Fiorot is primarily focused on striking, a trait that she developed alongside her experience in kickboxing and karate. At 5-foot-7 and with a reach of 65 inches, she maximizes her range to outstrike her opponents. Fiorot is adept at staying at her range using her orthodox stance. Fiorot has high striking accuracy and significant strike defense, which benefits her in stand-up exchanges with opponents.
UFC 315: Bout with Valentina Shevchenko
On May 10, 2025, Fiorot faced Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship at UFC 315 in Montreal. The fight was a back-and-forth five-round fight between both elite fighters. Shevchenko started hot, while Fiorot picked it up in the middle rounds by utilizing clinch and effective strikes. Despite Fiorot’s efforts, Shevchenko defeated her by unanimous decision, 48-47, on all three judges scorecards.
Post-Fight Reflections and Future Prospects
Although Fiorot suffered a narrow defeat at UFC 315, she is still one of the elite fighters in the flyweight division. It was clear after her fight with Shevchenko, she could hang with the best in the world, and she has a lot to offer this division moving forward. She continues to have dreams of someday holding the flyweight title, so expect her to be a serious threat in the flyweight division in the future.
Conclusion
Manon Fiorot’s journey from an energetic karate kid in Nice to one of the top contenders in the UFC will forever be a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence she upholds. Her performances in the octagon have thrilled audiences across the globe, and her future is bright. As she continues to evolve as a fighter and hone her skills, there is no telling what will happen next for Fiorot in the world of MMA.
SEO Keywords: Manon Fiorot, Manon Fiorot UFC, Manon Fiorot biography, Manon Fiorot record, Manon Fiorot fight style, Manon Fiorot vs Valentina Shevchenko, UFC 315, Women’s Flyweight UFC, French MMA fighters, Manon Fiorot career
