Valentina Shevchenko seems motivated to make a statement this coming weekend.
Shevchenko will defend her flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot in the co-main event at UFC 315. While `Bullet` typically maintains a respectful attitude towards opponents, she expressed some reservations regarding Fiorot.
“I don`t believe it`s appropriate to draw comparisons between us,” Shevchenko told reporters during UFC 315 Media Day, “because I would never show the level of disrespect towards any of my opponents that she has shown.”
Shevchenko`s concern appears to stem from last year when Fiorot, known as `The Beast,` publicly challenged her. Fiorot stated her intention to retire `Bullet` shortly after Shevchenko had regained her title from Alexa Grasso at UFC 306. This uncharacteristic trash talk from the usually reserved Fiorot, according to Shevchenko, was likely driven by Fiorot`s feeling that her contender status might be at risk.
Shevchenko commented, “She launched that tweet a bit prematurely in my view, considering I had just competed. It was only one month after the fight. However, I realize she was feeling pressured. There was a slight hold-up [in getting the fight booked]. Ultimately, I believe everything unfolded as it should have.”
According to Shevchenko, Fiorot`s unexpected verbal jabs are more likely to affect Fiorot herself than have any impact on `Bullet`.
When questioned if Fiorot`s words troubled her, Shevchenko responded, “Not at all,” she stated. “My journey in martial arts spans many years. I began training at five and, prior to joining the UFC, I had already secured 17 world titles in Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing. Consider the vast number of different personalities I`ve encountered and the multitude of things they might say. If I allowed everything to bother me, I would never have reached my current accomplishments. I believe my greatest skill is the ability to filter out surrounding distractions and concentrate solely on my primary objective.”
Nevertheless, `Bullet` admitted that she anticipates finding satisfaction in humbling Fiorot once the octagon door seals shut on Saturday and Fiorot is forced to substantiate her claims.
Shevchenko elaborated, “I appreciate it when opponents enter with excessive confidence. They might say, `It`s going to be a finish,` or similar outcomes. However, I particularly relish the instant they experience frustration inside the octagon, when they realize their strategies are failing. Witnessing them falter is the most rewarding sensation.”
UFC 315 is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The event`s main attraction is a welterweight title bout featuring Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
