Somebody’s ‘O’ has got to go.
Both undefeated in the UFC at 6-0, top contenders Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot cross paths in the main event of UFC Atlantic City. The stakes couldn’t be higher at women’s flyweight with the winner likely punching their ticket for a title shot. However, there is a hold-up in the division with champion Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko III happening later this year.
The ‘Cold Blooded’ Blanchfield is one of the absolute best at 125lbs, all at the age of 24 years old. The #2 contender’s resume includes wins over Taila Santos, Jessica Andrade and Molly McCann.
Blanchfield made her UFC debut back in 2021 and finds herself at the heels of a great opportunity in Atlantic City.
The same can be said for Fiorot, who’s had a great run in the UFC thus far. Trailing behind Blanchfield at #3 rankings, France’s Fiorot has beaten the likes of former champ Rose Namajunas along with former title challengers Katlyn Cerminara and Jennifer Maia.
The slick striker stands with an impressive 11-1 record, heading into her first main event spot.
Round 1:
Blanchfield lands a leg kick to start off the main event. Blanchfield strings together combos, mixing in her kicks and punches smoothly. Fiorot looks for her right hook before going for a slam takedown on the grappler. Blanchfield threatens her neck with a guillotine submission attempt. Blanchfield keeps going for it as the women rise to their feet, but later lets it go.
Blanchfield is tagged by a few shots from Fiorot. Blanchfield catches air on multiple kicks. The flyweights clinch momentarily and then break. An stinging jab lands for Fiorot. Blanchfield pieces up Fiorot with a flurry of punches. They clinch again with Fiorot landing a shot before the bell sounds.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Blanchfield
Round 2:
Blanchfield walks forward but eats a few counter strikes from Fiorot. Blanchfield shoots for a takedown which Fiorot reverses to get on top. They work their way up to the feet immediately after the scramble. Blanchfield clinches with Fiorot, looking for a takedown which she never finds on the French fighter.
Leg kick lands for Blanchfield. Fiorot grazes Blanchfield with a right hand. Side kick to the body lands for Fiorot. Fiorot finds a home for her right hand. Blanchfield ties up Fiorot in the clinch, Fiorot breaks away. Body kick thrown by Blanchfield. Fiorot tags Blanchfield with a body kick of her own. Blanchfield goes for the clinch but is unsuccessful in keeping the fight there. Blanchfield has trouble closing the distance on Fiorot.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
Round 3:
Fiorot works behind the jab. Blanchfield is clipped with a punch to the head. Fiorot lands a right hook. Fiorot lands an effective combo and then another. Body kick lands for Blanchfield. Into the clinch they go, but they separate. Fiorot eats a punch up top from Blanchfield.
Blanchfield now wears a cut close to her left eye. Body kick lands for Fiorot. A headkick from Fiorot is blocked. Fiorot lands a big knee up to the body.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
Round 4:
Fiorot throws a combo with Blanchfield coming back with a body kick. Blanchfield is a bit more aggressive in her approach in this round, moving in and out with countless strikes. The defending Fiorot looks to land a counter from the back foot. Blanchfield tags Fiorot with a left hand.
Fiorot attempts a takedown but is met with resistance by Blanchfield. They break away from the clinch position. Fiorot utilizes the jab. Blanchfield works the body with a kick. Leg kick lands for Blanchfield. A headkick almost gets through for Fiorot. Fiorot partially lands a right hook.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Blanchfield
Round 5:
Blanchfield eats a big punch from Fiorot. The American stands her ground, clipping Fiorot with a high kick. Fiorot clubs Blanchfield with a right hand. Right hook continues to land for Fiorot. Fiorot tags Blanchfield with a combo. Blanchfield eats more shots from Fiorot. Cross lands for Fiorot.
Blanchfield connects on Fiorot with a punch. Fiorot returns fire with a great shot upstairs. Fiorot throws a step-in knee which doesn’t land. The two flyweights exchange a bit in the pocket before the final bell.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Fiorot
Official result: Manon Fiorot defeats Erin Blanchfield via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Check out the highlights below:
15 minutes done. 10 to go. 👊#UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/LPrHLtzQjr
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
SHE GETS THE UNANIMOUS DECISION 🙌
After 5 hard fought rounds, @ManonFiorot_MMA takes the dub! #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/gvT6y9IeUJ
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
The Beast wants the belt 🏆@ManonFiorot_MMA | #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/hxFF2sjs2Z
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
