Eager for her opportunity for the UFC women’s flyweight title, Manon Fiorot decided to trashtalk the champion, Valentina Shevchenko. This Friday, the French fighter put on a diaper again, to force the decision.
Has a UFC challenger ever been as deserving of a title shot as Manon Fiorot? Undefeated in the premier MMA organization, sweeping aside the other contenders for the title, the Niçoise is only waiting for one thing: her fight against champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Problem, the Kyrgyz almost never mentions it. Fear or other motivations? The holder of the -57 kg belt prefers to talk about a possible future champion-champion duel against the Chinese Weili Zhang. After having defended her title seven times, this new challenge could be understood… but not when a contender remains on seven consecutive victories and has eliminated the competition, first sweeping Namajunas, during UFC Paris 2, then Erin Blanchfield , at home in the United States.
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“Everyone knows I’m your biggest challenge”
What more does she need to do to get that shot at the belt? If we are really fussy, there would be missing finishes for the Niçoise, who remains on these five victories by decision. But when a fighter outclasses his opponent over three or five rounds (against Blanchfield) wouldn’t that be better? The question deserves to be asked.
To obtain her precious sesame, there is no question of going through the box “Alexa Grasso, n°1 in the ranking” (who has already fought three times for the belt), Manon Fiorot (2nd) chose another method, which has already his proof in the UFC: trashtalk. In an interview with RMC Sport, the one who calls herself “The Beast” detailed the method she implemented on social networks. And it started with a first public message sent to the champion. “Stop making everyone wait. Let’s fight this fight that I’m sending you to retire,” the Nice woman dryly sent. In response, Valentina Shevchenko offered him a deal: “You lose, you retire.” Determined as ever, the Frenchwoman accepted.
The question-and-answer series had a new episode this Friday. After the Kyrgyz taunted her by saying “ask me nicely”, Aldric Cassata’s protégé continued her pressing: “Out of the question. I’m tired of being the nice person who patiently waits for her opportunity. I literally beat all the competitors. Everyone knows I’m your biggest challenge, meanwhile you’re avoiding me at all costs to go on vacation.” This should be clear.
