Why UFC’s Erin Blanchfield likes Manon Fiorot vs. Valentina Shevchenko

Erin Blanchfield likes Manon Fiorot’s chances against UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.

Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is expected to be Shevchenko’s next title challenger after going unbeaten in the octagon, including a win over Blanchfield in the UFC on ESPN 54 main event in March.

Having felt Fiorot’s strength and failing to take her down in their fight, Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) expects the French fighter’s size to pose problems for Shevchenko (24-4-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC).

“I think Manon could do very well,” Blanchfield told MMA Junkie. “I could even see her beating Valentina. I could see Valentina winning, but I think Manon can use her size. I think she’s a very big flyweight, and she knows how to use her range and like her length. I think Valentina is more like dynamic and has more skills.

“So, I’m curious how Valentina is going to deal with her size because I know in the past, let’s say with like Taila (Santos), I remember her complaining about how big Taila is, and I feel like Manon’s significantly bigger. So yeah, I think it’s a good matchup, and I’m curious to see how it goes.”

Since losing to Fiorot, Blanchfield rebounded with a five-round co-main event win over Rose Namajunas this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night 246.

“I feel like I was able to utilize my striking better. That’s something obviously I had a lot of focus on after my last fight,” Blanchfield said of her win over Namajunas. “I feel like I was able to show a little bit of improvement there. Obviously there’s room for more, but it’s only been a couple of months.

“So, I feel like I was able to definitely show that to myself and win those championship rounds, too. I feel like that was a big thing. Even though losing those first two rounds, I was able to come back and sweep the scorecards on the rest of the rounds.”