MONTREAL – The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Valentina Shevchenko prepares to defend her UFC Women’s Flyweight title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. This highly anticipated co-main event marks Shevchenko's first title defense since reclaiming her championship belt last September at Noche UFC.
Shevchenko (24-4-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) is on a quest for her 10th title win in the UFC, further solidifying her legacy as one of the sport's greats. The 37-year-old champion weighed in at 124 pounds, a pound under the title limit, demonstrating her readiness for the challenge ahead. Meanwhile, Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who is stepping into the Octagon for her first title fight, came in at the limit of 125 pounds.
As the fight night approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to see if Fiorot can dethrone the reigning champion. The French fighter has been on a remarkable journey since joining the UFC in 2021, where she has remained undefeated and is known for her striking volume, landing an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute. Fiorot's takedown defense is also noteworthy, boasting a remarkable 93% success rate, making her a formidable opponent for Shevchenko.
Shevchenko's experience is undeniable; she has successfully defended her title seven times in her first reign and has a notable record of multiple takedowns in 11 of her last 12 fights. Her grappling skills, with a takedown accuracy of 64%, will be crucial as she looks to control the fight and keep Fiorot at bay. Shevchenko's striking defense stands at 64%, and she absorbs only 2.00 strikes per minute, showcasing her ability to evade damage.
The main card for UFC 315 is stacked with exciting bouts, including a welterweight title fight between reigning champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena. The event promises to deliver thrilling action across the board, with a total of 12 fights scheduled for the evening.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ PPV, with the main card set to begin at 10 p.m. ET. The anticipation is palpable as Shevchenko and Fiorot prepare to clash in what could be a defining moment in both of their careers.
In the lead-up to the event, analysts have been weighing in on the matchup. While Shevchenko is the defending champion, Fiorot is viewed as the favorite by some betting lines, reflecting her recent form and striking proficiency. Betting odds have Shevchenko at +114 to win outright, while Fiorot sits at -135, indicating the competitive nature of this title fight.
"Fiorot may be this bout’s betting favorite, but Shevchenko will prove too great a step up once the cage door shuts," stated an analyst. This sentiment echoes the thoughts of many who believe that Shevchenko's experience and skill set will be decisive factors in the fight.
As fight night approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory for Shevchenko would not only mark another successful title defense but also pave the way for a potential superfight against Zhang Weili, the reigning strawweight champion. For Fiorot, a win would catapult her into the upper echelons of women's MMA, solidifying her status as a top contender.
In addition to the Shevchenko vs. Fiorot bout, the main card features other intriguing matchups, including the featherweight clash between Jose Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi, and a women's flyweight bout between Alexa Grasso and Natalia Silva. Each fight adds to the excitement of the evening, making UFC 315 a must-watch event for MMA fans around the globe.
As the clock ticks down to fight night, both fighters are focused and determined. Shevchenko aims to defend her title and assert her dominance in the division, while Fiorot looks to seize the moment and claim the championship belt. With both fighters at the top of their game, the co-main event at UFC 315 promises to be a thrilling contest that could go the distance.
As fans prepare for the action, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this epic battle for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship? With the skills and determination of both Shevchenko and Fiorot on display, fight night is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.
