UFC Paris’ co-main event featured a critical women’s flyweight bout between two of the top 10 P4P women in the sport. Fourth-ranked P4P Rose Namajunas moved up to flyweight for the first time in her career. Tenth-ranked P4P Manon Fiorot looked to pick up the biggest win of her career against a former champion. A big win in France for Fiorot would potentially grant her a title shot, and a big win for Namajunas could do the same.
Manon Fiorot vs. Rose Namajunas
The fight started off very competitive, with both women trading shots back and forth throughout the opening frame. Namajunas attempted takedowns that were unsuccessful but was able to land some clean left hands as well. Fiorot started to land better shots as the round progressed and likely won the opening round. It seemed as if an injury occurred to Namajunas’ finger, which was then confirmed by her corner after Round 1.
Round 2 was most of the same, with Manon mixing in some nice kicks and knees to the body. Rose went tumbling at one point which got a reaction out of the crowd, but she was fine. Manon then slipped up herself after missing a spinning side kick, which Rose countered and momentarily stumble her. Fiorot immediately got up and continued to work, until a headbutt stopped the action. The headbutt caused the fight side of Fiorot’s head to start gushing, but the cut was in a safe place and the fight continued.
With Round 3 starting, it seemed like Rose might need a finish to get it done. She continued to attempt takedowns with no success and was looking much of the striking battle before catching Fiorot with a nice combination that dropped her momentarily. While it might’ve been a slip, it was by far the biggest moment of the round as the rest of it continued the sequences already seen in the fight.
When the scorecards were read it was clear that Fiorot was the victor, with two judges seeing the 3rd round for Rose and the other scoring all three rounds for Fiorot. The win potentially earns Fiorot a title shot, but she’ll have to compete for that spot with the rising Erin Blanchfield who just picked up a big win at UFC Singapore.
UFC Fighters React
UFC fighters reacted to Manon Fiorot’s impressive striking display over Rose Namajunas:
What did you think of Fiorot’s win over Rose Namajunas? Was it enough to get her a title shot? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit to Embed from Getty Images
