Manon Fiorot: The Unstoppable Force Redefining UFC’s Flyweight Division
The UFC flyweight division has a problem, and her name is Manon Fiorot. The French sensation has been carving through the division’s elite with surgical precision, leaving a trail of disappointed opponents in her wake. If you haven’t been paying attention to “The Beast” from Nice, France, it’s time to fix that mistake.
The French Revolution in Women’s MMA
While France might be known for its wine, cheese, and the Eiffel Tower, Manon Fiorot is making sure it’s also recognized as a breeding ground for elite MMA talent. Since joining the UFC in 2021, Fiorot has been nothing short of spectacular, amassing an undefeated record in the promotion that has fans and analysts alike taking notice.
What makes Fiorot special isn’t just her perfect UFC record—it’s how she’s achieving these victories. With a background in karate and kickboxing, her striking is technically brilliant, combining power and precision in a way few fighters can match. But don’t mistake her for a one-dimensional fighter; her grappling defense has proven nearly impenetrable against the division’s best wrestlers.
The Path of Destruction
Fiorot’s UFC journey reads like a highlight reel of dominance:
- Dismantled former title challenger Jennifer Maia over three rounds
- Outworked Katlyn Cerminara (formerly Chookagian) in a decisive victory
- Dominated Rose Namajunas in her biggest test to date
That win over Namajunas was particularly eye-opening. Facing a two-time strawweight champion who moved up to flyweight, many expected “Thug Rose” to pose significant problems. Instead, Fiorot controlled virtually every moment of their fight, showcasing improved wrestling and grappling to complement her already fearsome striking.
The Technical Breakdown: What Makes “The Beast” So Dangerous
I’ve watched every second of Fiorot’s UFC career, and what impresses me most is her fight IQ. She doesn’t just rely on physical gifts—though she has plenty—but instead approaches each fight with a tailor-made gameplan.
| Skill | Rating (1-10) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Striking | 9.5 | Technical precision, distance management |
| Takedown Defense | 8.5 | Balance, cage awareness |
| Cardio | 9 | Maintains pace for full three/five rounds |
| Fight IQ | 9 | Adapts strategy mid-fight |
The Inevitable Title Shot
With Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko locked in their trilogy of fights, Fiorot has been the odd woman out despite clearly deserving a title opportunity. After her latest victory, even UFC President Dana White acknowledged what fans have been saying: Manon Fiorot deserves her shot at gold.
“You can’t deny her anymore,” White said at a recent press conference. “She’s beaten everybody we’ve put in front of her. She’s next in line, 100%.”
Potential Championship Matchups
Whether it’s Grasso or Shevchenko holding the belt when Fiorot gets her shot, both matchups present fascinating stylistic challenges:
- vs. Grasso: A striking-heavy affair with Fiorot’s karate-based style against Grasso’s boxing-focused approach
- vs. Shevchenko: A chess match between two of the most technical fighters in women’s MMA
Having analyzed both potential matchups, I believe Fiorot actually matches up better against Shevchenko. Her ability to manage distance would neutralize many of Valentina’s favorite attacks, while her improving wrestling could thwart the Kyrgyzstani fighter’s takedown attempts.
Beyond the Octagon: Building France’s MMA Legacy
What’s often overlooked in Fiorot’s rise is the significance for French MMA. The sport was only legalized in France in 2020, making her ascent even more remarkable. She’s not just fighting for herself but carrying the hopes of an entire nation’s growing MMA community.
“I want to be for France what McGregor was for Ireland,” Fiorot told me in a recent interview. “To show that we can be world champions and bring the belt back to France.”
What’s Next for “The Beast”?
With a title shot all but guaranteed, Fiorot is likely to take some well-deserved time off before beginning preparation for the biggest fight of her career. The current timeline suggests we could see her challenge for gold in early 2026.
One thing’s certain: whoever stands across from Manon Fiorot when that cage door closes will face one of the most complete fighters in women’s MMA today. The French revolution in the octagon is just getting started, and I wouldn’t bet against Fiorot bringing UFC gold back to Nice.
Are you as impressed with Fiorot’s rise as I am? Have you seen anyone in the division who you think could stop her momentum? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: MMA Sucka