Valentina Shevchenko defended the UFC flyweight title with a unanimous decisive victory over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, further expanding her record as one of the most skilled fighters in the division. The match was closely contested, with all three judges fighting after five rounds courtesy of Shevchenko and winning 48-47. Filot, who took part in the fight as a second-place candidate, began aggressively, but Shevchenko’s experience allowed her to control her pace and respond effectively to Fiorot’s attacks.
Valentina Shevchenko Beat age, legacy and odds: “Take a bet on me, always.”
Early in the fight, Valentina Shevchenko landed Fiorot’s nose-breaking right hand, adjusting her strategy and causing the challenger to fight through visible discomfort.
Valentina Shevchenko’s performance was characterized by sharp counters and disciplined defenses, especially as Fiorot tried to put pressure on her through the fight. The Champion’s adaptive ability was evident as she relied on her training and experience. “Experience empowers you and gives you the speed of constant practice, tactics and techniques for every year. Every day we talk to our coaches about what we have to do in the fight.
Shevchenko emphasized that her preparation and adaptability are important factors that maintain an advantage over her younger enemies. The 37-year-old Shevchenko became the oldest fighter, a male or female, defending the UFC title under middleweight and joined the fighter selection group with at least 10 UFC title fight victory. Tackling questions about her age and heritage, Shevchenko dismissed the notion that her career was over.
“It’s not a number. It’s how you feel, your power, your preparation mechanism. This is what matters. If you feel younger inside, and you feel you can kick someone younger than you, then this is the right measurement,” she said after the fight. She also said that reflecting legacy was after retirement and instead of continuing to be an active competitor, “Your legacy said when you’re done, ‘Okay, these are my gloves, I don’t want to do that anymore.” After that, you start to reflect, but before that you are not allowed. ”
Valentina Shevchenko acknowledged Fiorot’s toughness, saying, “My opponent is a tough opponent. It’s not like a hotel girl or anything like that. She’s ranked second, so she has all the powers. She also said she hopes Fiorot continues her career and says, “I don’t want her to retire.”
The victory solidifies Shevchenko’s position at the top of the flyweight division, continuing to violate expectations for age and athletic decline. As speculations grow about a potential superfight with strawweight champion Zhang Weili, Shevchenko will focus on the present, urging fans and critics to judge her by her performance rather than her year.
