Tag: Manon Fiorot

Manon Fiorot open to Maycee Barber fight – but only if interim UFC flyweight title at stake

Manon Fiorot has cemented herself as No. 1 contender, but she might have to wait a while for her UFC title opportunity.

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] has cemented herself as No. 1 contender in the UFC women’s flyweight division, but she might have to wait a while for her title opportunity.

Fiorot notched her seventh octagon win in a row when she defeated Erin Blanchfield in the UFC on ESPN 54 headliner last month. But with flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko expected to complete their trilogy at UFC 306 on Sept. 16 after they coach Season 32 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Fiorot might not fight again in 2024.

Like Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), streaking contender [autotag]Maycee Barber[/autotag] also offered her services as a backup fighter for Grasso vs. Shevchenko. Barber took shots at both Fiorot and Blanchfield by calling them boring, and Fiorot thinks that’s rich coming from her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever watched a full fight of Maycee’s,” Fiorot told MMA Junkie in French. “I know she fought Katlyn Cerminara, and I know she won by decision, too. I might have watched the first round, but it honestly wasn’t spectacular. She didn’t do better than me.

“I fought with an injured knee. I tore my ACL in the first round against Katlyn, and I didn’t find her fight sensational. She won by decision, too. She has a lot of decisions. I know she wrestles a lot, she sticks (to her opponents) a lot, so I don’t think her style is spectacular either.”

Fiorot, who’s coming off back-to-back wins over Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas, thinks her resume is a lot stronger than Barber’s (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC). She’s willing to fight her next as long as a piece of the flyweight title is on the line.

“For the time being, she hasn’t proven anything in comparison to what I’ve done so far,” Fiorot continued. “I have no problems fighting her, but for an interim title.”

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Manon Fiorot wants backup role for Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko UFC title trilogy bout

Manon Fiorot is eager to ensure her next fight is for the UFC women’s flyweight title, even if that means taking it in unideal circumstance.

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] is eager to ensure her next fight is for the UFC women’s flyweight title, even if that means taking it in unideal circumstance.

With seven consecutive victories to begin her octagon tenure, Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) would typically have a title shot locked up by now. However, the string of three consecutive title fights between [autotag]Alexa Grasso[/autotag] and [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] have pushed everyone out of the immediate title conversation.

Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) and Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) are currently searching as coaches on Season 32 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and are expected to wrap up their trilogy at UFC 306, which takes place Sept. 16 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Following Fiorot’s unanimous decision victory over Erin Blanchfield in a February main event, she wants the winner of Grasso and Shevchenko. But if something happens to either one of them, whether it’s weeks out or days out, Fiorot wants to volunteer he services as a backup.

“If I have to choose, the best choice for me is to be the backup on the fight,” told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “I think it’s a good thing if someone, Valentina or Alexa, have an injury or miss weight. I think the best choice for me now is to be backup for this fight so I can see the fight and perhaps do a faceoff after against the winner. … I think I deserve it.”

In addition to her victory over Blanchfield, the UFC resume of Fiorot also includes former champ Rose Namajunas and one-time title challengers Katlyn Cerminara, Jennifer Maia and Mayra Bueno Silva.

Fiorot, 34, said there’s only one other situation where she would entertain taking a fight against someone outside of the Grasso vs. Shevchenko winner, and that’s if the promotion implemented an interim belt.

“I’m the No. 1 contender for three fights in a row,” Fiorot said. “I’m pretty sure I deserve it and I’ll fight for it in my next fight.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.

Daniel Cormier: No reason for UFC’s Manon Fiorot to accept anything other than title fight

UFC contender Manon Fiorot is “just standing on the verge of her championship opportunity,” and there’s no reason to risk it.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] advises [autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] not to take another fight unless it’s for the UFC women’s flyweight title.

Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) extended her winning streak to 12 when she scored a shutout of highly touted contender Erin Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) this past Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 54 main event.

If Fiorot does indeed opt to sit out, she will have to wait for flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko to settle their trilogy, which will take place only after the airing of Season 32 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which is currently being filmed. “TUF 32” premiers June 4 and likely will air until the end of summer.

“If I’m Manon Fiorot, I’m not fighting,” Cormier said on his ESPN show “Good Guy/Bad Guy” with Chael Sonnen. “There’s no reason to go from the fights that she has had and take another one when she’s undefeated in the UFC. She’s looked increasingly better, and she’s just standing on the verge of her championship opportunity.

“I get it. I would like to see her fight Maycee Barber. But the way she looked last weekend, she looks like she’s ready now to fight for the belt, It’s more likely, in my opinion, that she weighs in as the backup fighter, she trains alongside that championship fight, and waits to have her opportunity.”

Fiorot outstruck Blanchfield over the course of five rounds and stuffed her three takedown attempts. Cormier was impressed with her performance and admits she exceeded his expectations.

“Her takedown defense looked really good,” Cormier said. “Her striking, as we know she is known for, looked amazing. She just seemed to be a step ahead of Erin Blanchfield.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, April 2: Manon Fiorot climbs closer to top

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC on ESPN 54 in New Jersey.

Following UFC on ESPN 54, the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings required updating.

Making her case for a title fight even stronger, [autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] shut out Erin Blanchfield in the UFC on ESPN 54 main event in front of a sold-out crowd at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. It was a dominant performance for Fiorot, who kept her UFC unbeaten record alive, while handing Blanchfield her first loss in the promotion. Entering the week at No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s flyweight rankings, Fiorot jumps two spots to claim No. 3.

Also making a splash this week is [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag], who enters the welterweight rankings after stopping Vicente Luque with heavy ground and pound. Buckley has won three straight since dropping down from middleweight, and settles in at the No. 14 spot, while Luque falls to the honorable mentions.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.

Video: What’s the ceiling for Manon Fiorot and Joaquin Buckley after UFC on ESPN 54 wins?

What should be next for both Manon Fiorot and Joaquin Buckley after their UFC on ESPN 54 wins? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

Video: What’s the ceiling for Manon Fiorot and Joaquin Buckley after UFC on ESPN 54 wins?Video: What’s the ceiling for Manon Fiorot and Joaquin Buckley after UFC on ESPN 54 wins

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses [autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] and [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]’s wins at UFC on ESPN 54.

Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) defeated top contender Erin Blanchfield in a clean, unanimous decision win in the main event of the card, and Buckley (19-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) stopped veteran Vicente Luque by TKO in the second round of their co-main event contest – both big wins.

What did their respective performances tell us about them, and what should be next following their victories?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, Nolan King, host “Gorgeous” George Garcia, analyze Fiorot and Buckley’s wins in the aftermath of the event.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and also don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

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Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: UFC on ESPN 54, Brandon Moreno’s hiatus from MMA, Whittaker-Chimaev, more

On this week’s episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses UFC on ESPN 54, Brandon Moreno’s hiatus from MMA, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, and Nolan King will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate:

  • UFC on ESPN 54 is in the books, and it left plenty to talk about, including [autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag]’s win over Erin Blanchfield and where she fits into the title picture at women’s flyweight; [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]’s 3-0 start in his return to welterweight; [autotag]Chris Weidman[/autotag]’s controversial win over Bruno Silva and his future in MMA. We recap the main results of Saturday’s event in Atlantic City.
  • Sad news for the men’s flyweight. Arguably the division’s most popular name has announced a hiatus from MMA. Former champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] revealed that he’s in need of a break from fighting and that he will be stepping away for some time, but he promises to come back eventually. We react to the news and its impact on the flyweight division.
  • The UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia is taking shape. UFC CEO Dana White announced several key matchups for the June 22 event, including a title eliminator bout between [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] and [autotag]Khamzhat Chimaev[/autotag] – which will serve as the main event of the card. We break down Whittaker vs. Chimaev, along with the rest of the fights announced.
  • Things got weird earlier this month when [autotag]Igor Severino[/autotag] got disqualified, and later cut from the UFC, after biting his opponent Andre Lima at UFC on ESPN 53. We heard almost immediately after the incident from Lima, UFC CEO Dana White, the Nevada Athletic Commission, but this Severino broke silence in an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie. We discuss the whole incident as well as Severino’s recent comments.

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Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Manon Fiorot after UFC on ESPN 54 win?

Manon Fiorot is undeniable for a title shot after beating Erin Blanchfield at UFC on ESPN 54, but it’s not that simple.

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] strengthened her case for a women’s flyweight title shot Saturday when she emerged victorious from the clash of contenders with Erin Blanchfield at UFC on ESPN 54.

Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) kept her undefeated octagon streak intact with her most high-profile win to date against Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), scoring a lopsided unanimous decision victory in their headlining clash at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Under most circumstances, Fiorot would be undeniable to move straight into a title shot. However, with champion Alexa Grasso currently coaching Season 32 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show opposite Valentina Shevchenko ahead of an expected trilogy bout in September, it complicates Fiorot’s path.

Should she sit tight and wait for the shot? Or keep active against another contender? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Fiorot’s future after UFC on ESPN 54.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.

Manon Fiorot wants title shot ‘no matter what’ after UFC on ESPN 54 win vs. Erin Blanchfield

Manon Fiorot seems content to wait for Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3 to play out after her UFC on ESPN 54 main event win.

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] sees no option other than a women’s flyweight championship fight after a one-sided display against Erin Blanchfield in Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 54 main event.

Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) secured a seventh consecutive victory to begin her UFC tenure when she decisively outpointed Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) to a unanimous decision at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Afterward, she made it clear that it’s title or bust going forward.

“I fought everyone in the category – I’m ready,” Fiorot told Michael Bisping through an interpreter during her post-fight interview. “I want the title. That’s it.”

With her past five victories coming against Blanchfield, former champ Rose Namajunas and former title challengers Katlyn Cerminara, Jennifer Maia and Mayra Bueno Silva, there’s little argument to be made against Fiorot’s title shot aspirations.

Timing, however, might prove problematic. Current champion Alexa Grasso isn’t expected to defend her title in a trilogy bout with Valentina Shevchenko until at least September due to the filming of “The Ultimate Fighter 32,” which means Fiorot is looking at a long wait before her shot materializes.

That doesn’t appear to bother her, though. At this point, there’s only one goal remaining.

“I will take one or the other (between Grasso and Shevchenko),” Fiorot said. “I’m ready. No matter what, I want my title shot.”

For now, Fiorot, 34, will revel in the glory of another signature win against Blanchfield.

“She was tough, but I didn’t have any surprises,” Fiorot said. “I was ready. We didn’t go into wrestling. I didn’t take much hurt. I’m happy. Everything went well.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.

UFC on ESPN 54 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Program total passes $24.5 million

UFC on ESPN 54 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 54 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $173,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 54 took place at Boardwalk Hall. The main card aired on ESPN following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 54 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Chris Weidman[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Bruno Silva[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Nursulton Ruziboev[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Sedriques Dumas[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Kyle Nelson[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Bill Algeo[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Rhys McKee[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Nate Landwehr[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jamall Emmers[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Virna Jandiroba[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Loopy Godinez[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Julio Arce[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Dennis Buzukja[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Connor Matthews[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Ibo Aslan[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Anton Turkalj[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Jacob Malkoun[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Andre Petroski[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Caolan Loughran[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Angel Pacheco[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,540; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $54,000 while title challengers get $54,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-54 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $1,842,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $24,579,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.

UFC on ESPN 54 results: Manon Fiorot sweeps scorecards against Erin Blanchfield, calls for title shot

Manon Fiorot called for a shot at the title after shutting out Erin Blanchfield in the UFC on ESPN 54 main event in New Jersey.

[autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag] shut out Erin Blanchfield on the scorecards and now wants a shot at the UFC women’s flyweight title.

The main event of UFC on ESPN 54, which took place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., saw a women’s flyweight bout between title hopefuls go the full distance. Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) gave it her best effort, but could not overcome the takedown defense and right hand of Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who won a clean sweep unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).

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Fiorot started strong by landing sharp strikes. An attempt to keep Blanchfield guessing was nearly a costly mistake, however. Fiorot changed levels and lifted Blanchfield for a powerful slam, but got caught in a guillotine choke. The submission appeared deep for a moment, but Fiorot eventually escaped, and the remainder of the round unfolded on the feet.

In Round 2, Blanchfield’s first attempt to get the fight to the ground on her terms was nearly successful, but Fiorot reversed her position on the ground and returned to her feet. Blanchfield was eager to close the distance with strikes, but Fiorot countered well with punches and side kicks.

Fiorot’s takedown defense continued to shine in Round 3, as she easily denied attempts from Blanchfield. Counter right hands also scored for Fiorot while circling outside Blanchfield, who kept charging forward.

Down three rounds with her back against the wall, Blanchfield pushed the pace harder. Fiorot continued playing her counter game, but Blanchfield kept rushing through, creating intense moments. While creating excitement for the first half of the round, Fiorot was able to weather the storm.

With just five minutes to go, Blanchfield’s corner told her she had to go for the finish, and she certainly came out swinging. A head kick caught Fiorot, but Blanchfield could not capitalize after for the needed fight-ending moment.

Fiorot called for a shot at the flyweight title during her post-fight interview.

Current champion Alexa Grasso is filming the new season of “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite former champ Valentina Shevchenko. The pair is expected to meet later this year after the conclusion of the season.

“No matter what, I want my title shot,” Fiorot said through an interpreter.

Fiorot remains unblemished under the UFC banner. Entering at No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s flyweight rankings, Fiorot picked up her sixth win in the promotion following a victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.

With a potential shot at the title on the line, Blanchfield sees her unbeaten run in the UFC come to an end. She entered the promotion in 2021, and racked up six-straight wins to get to this point, but will need to regroup for her next challenge.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 54 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.