Valentina Shevchenko Fends Off Fiorot to Stay Champion at UFC 315

In a sport that never slows down and always looks to crown a new king—or queen—Valentina Shevchenko reminded the world that her throne isn’t up for grabs just yet.

On Saturday night in Montreal at UFC 315, Shevchenko proved she’s still the measuring stick at 125 pounds. Facing Manon Fiorot, a physically imposing and undefeated French contender, Shevchenko didn’t just survive—she found a way to win. It wasn’t flashy, and it wasn’t dominant like some of her earlier title defenses, but it was gritty, smart, and earned.

After five fiercely competitive rounds, Shevchenko emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The judges saw it 48-47 across the board, giving her the edge in a fight that tested everything—her experience, toughness, and timing. More importantly, it marked her 10th win in a UFC title fight, tying her with Ronda Rousey and putting her just one behind the legendary Amanda Nunes.

A Game of Adjustments and Grit

If you were expecting a walkover, you haven’t been paying attention to Manon Fiorot. Coming into the fight, Fiorot had rattled off seven straight UFC wins, including victories over big names like Rose Namajunas and Erin Blanchfield. She looked every bit like the division’s future, and many believed this would be the night she broke through.

And in the early rounds, she looked the part. She muscled Shevchenko into the cage repeatedly, clinching and grinding her down with knees and body shots. She absorbed a stiff overhand right in the first that bloodied her nose, but it didn’t deter her. If anything, it brought out her grit.

Shevchenko, for her part, stayed composed. That’s always been her strength. She’s not a brawler—she’s a technician. And when Fiorot tried to make it a brawl, Shevchenko slowly picked her spots. A spinning backfist here. A step-back jab there. She wasn’t racking up highlight-reel moments, but she was staying in the fight.

Then came Round 4—and with it, a reminder of who Valentina Shevchenko really is.

The Turning Point

Fiorot seemed to be pulling away by the middle of the fourth round. She was getting the better of the clinch work and neutralizing Shevchenko’s footwork. The crowd in Montreal sensed something was shifting.

Then, out of nowhere, Shevchenko landed a beautiful counter shot that rocked Fiorot. Not long after, a clean spinning backfist landed flush and spun Fiorot around. Suddenly, all the momentum Fiorot had built began to fade. Shevchenko didn’t let the moment slip—she stayed on her, landed another big shot before the round ended, and sent a clear message: This fight wasn’t hers to take just yet.

That burst of offense might’ve been the difference on the scorecards. It didn’t knock Fiorot out, but it clearly shook her. And when they returned for the fifth and final round, the French challenger looked just a little more hesitant than she had earlier.

Post-Fight Reflections: Age is Just a Number

At 37, Shevchenko isn’t supposed to be winning fights like this. Not against someone like Fiorot, who’s 35 but fights like she’s 28—with confidence, explosiveness, and the hunger of someone trying to take what the other woman has.

But Shevchenko isn’t your average fighter. And she made that clear after the bout.

“I expected it to be tough,” she told the media with a calm smile. “She’s a strong fighter, but age means nothing if you take care of your body and mind. I feel great, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Her record now stands at 25-4-1, and Saturday night’s win didn’t just add to her résumé—it solidified her place in MMA history. She now sits tied for second in most women’s title fight victories, with only Amanda Nunes ahead of her. Considering Nunes is retired, Shevchenko could tie or even pass that record by next year.

Fiorot Falls Short—But Doesn’t Fall Behind

Manon Fiorot didn’t leave Montreal with the belt, but she didn’t leave with her reputation damaged either.

If anything, she proved she’s one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. Her physical strength, her cage control, and her chin—all held up against one of the best to ever do it. But in close fights, small moments matter. And Shevchenko had just a few more of those moments.

That late burst in Round 4. The cleaner punches in Round 5. The timing, the experience. That’s what separates champions from challengers.

Still, Fiorot’s time may come sooner than later. A bounce-back win could set her up for another crack at gold. And next time, she’ll have five rounds of experience with the legend herself to draw from.

Source: Valentina Shevchenko lands her 10th win in a UFC title fight

What’s Next for the Bullet

With this win, the question becomes: Who’s left for Shevchenko?

She’s fought nearly everyone in the top five. She’s had a legendary trilogy with Alexa Grasso. She’s beaten Fiorot. She could rematch Erin Blanchfield if the UFC decides she’s next in line. Or she could make a bold move and chase another belt in a higher weight class.

One thing’s for sure: She’s not done. Not even close.

“People said I was done after Grasso,” she said. “I just needed to refocus. Now I’m here, and I’m better than ever.”

A Champion’s Legacy, Still in the Making

It’s easy to get caught up in the new blood. Fighters like Fiorot, Blanchfield, and others bring fresh excitement and styles to the cage. But UFC 315 reminded us that sometimes, greatness doesn’t fade—it adjusts.

Valentina Shevchenko didn’t win because she was stronger or faster. She won because she was smarter, more composed, and willing to go to places Fiorot hadn’t yet been.

It wasn’t domination—it was survival. And that’s what makes her special.

The wins may not be getting easier. But they’re getting more meaningful. Every title defense now is a chapter in one of the richest legacies in MMA history.

And after Saturday night, that legacy just got even bigger.

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