Shevchenko Defends UFC Flyweight Title Against Fiorot at UFC 315

At UFC 315, Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her UFC women's flyweight title against top contender Manon Fiorot in a competitive five-round fight, winning by unanimous decision. Despite Fiorot's early success and her attempt to use physicality and clinches against Shevchenko, the champion found her rhythm mid-fight and scored a late knockdown that helped secure the victory. The bout was notable not only for its intensity but also for the pre-fight wager where the loser was expected to retire, a notion Shevchenko later dismissed, urging Fiorot to continue her career. This victory marked Shevchenko's 10th UFC title fight win, tying her for the second-most in women's UFC history, and further cemented her legacy as one of the sport's greatest. Fiorot entered the fight undefeated in the UFC and was favored to win, but Shevchenko's experience and tactical execution proved decisive. The champion credited her preparation, including training with her southpaw sister, Antonina, as key to handling Fiorot's style and maintaining her elite form at age 37.