Manon Fiorot shut out Erin Blanchfield on the scorecards and now desires a shot on the UFC ladies’s flyweight title.
The principle occasion of UFC on ESPN 54, which passed off at Boardwalk Corridor in Atlantic Metropolis, N.J., noticed a ladies’s flyweight bout between title hopefuls go the total distance. Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) gave it her finest effort, however couldn’t overcome the takedown protection and proper hand of Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who received a clear sweep unanimous determination (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Fiorot began sturdy by touchdown sharp strikes. An try and preserve Blanchfield guessing was practically a expensive mistake, nevertheless. Fiorot modified ranges and lifted Blanchfield for a robust slam, however acquired caught in a guillotine choke. The submission appeared deep for a second, however Fiorot ultimately escaped, and the rest of the spherical unfolded on the ft.
In Spherical 2, Blanchfield’s first try and get the struggle to the bottom on her phrases was practically profitable, however Fiorot reversed her place on the bottom and returned to her ft. Blanchfield was keen to shut the gap with strikes, however Fiorot countered effectively with punches and facet kicks.
Fiorot’s takedown protection continued to shine in Spherical 3, as she simply denied makes an attempt from Blanchfield. Counter proper fingers additionally scored for Fiorot whereas circling outdoors Blanchfield, who saved charging ahead.
Down three rounds together with her again towards the wall, Blanchfield pushed the tempo more durable. Fiorot continued taking part in her counter recreation, however Blanchfield saved speeding by, creating intense moments. Whereas creating pleasure for the primary half of the spherical, Fiorot was capable of climate the storm.
With simply 5 minutes to go, Blanchfield’s nook advised her she needed to go for the end, and he or she definitely got here out swinging. A head kick caught Fiorot, however Blanchfield couldn’t capitalize after for the wanted fight-ending second.
SHE GETS THE UNANIMOUS DECISION 🙌
After 5 arduous fought rounds, @ManonFiorot_MMA takes the dub! #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/gvT6y9IeUJ
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
Fiorot referred to as for a shot on the flyweight title throughout her post-fight interview.
Present champion Alexa Grasso is filming the brand new season of “The Final Fighter” reverse former champ Valentina Shevchenko. The pair is anticipated to satisfy later this 12 months after the conclusion of the season.
“It doesn’t matter what, I would like my title shot,” Fiorot mentioned by an interpreter.
Fiorot stays unblemished beneath the UFC banner. Coming into at No. 5 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie ladies’s flyweight rankings, Fiorot picked up her sixth win within the promotion following a victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
With a possible shot on the title on the road, Blanchfield sees her unbeaten run within the UFC come to an finish. She entered the promotion in 2021, and racked up six-straight wins to get thus far, however might want to regroup for her subsequent problem.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 54 outcomes embody:
Manon Fiorot def. Erin Blanchfield by way of unanimous determination (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Joaquin Buckley def. Vicente Luque by way of TKO (punches) – Spherical 2, 3:17
Chris Weidman def. Bruno Silva by way of unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Nursulton Ruziboev def. Sedriques Dumas by way of knockout (punches) – Spherical 1, 3:18
Kyle Nelson def. Invoice Algeo by way of TKO (punches) – Spherical 1, 4:00
Chidi Njokuani def. Rhys McKee by way of break up determination (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
Nate Landwehr def. Jamall Emmers by way of knockout (punch) – Spherical 1, 4:43
Virna Jandiroba def. Crazy Godinez by way of unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Julio Arce def. Herbert Burns by way of TKO (punches) – Spherical 2, 2:00
Dennis Buzukja def. Connor Matthews by way of TKO (punches) – Spherical 3, 0:22
Ibo Aslan def. Anton Turkalj by way of TKO (punch) Spherical 3, 1:32
Jacob Malkoun def. Andre Petroski by way of TKO (strikes) – Spherical 2, 0:39
Caolan Loughran def. Angel Pacheco by way of unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 54.
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