This is a summary of the co-main event bout between Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) and Manon Fiorot (12-2) at UFC 315. The fight took place on May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Round 1
The fight began with referee Marc Goddard overseeing the action. Shevchenko started cautiously from the outside, effectively using jabs to control the range. Fiorot landed a low kick, but Shevchenko responded with a right hook. Shevchenko`s striking looked sharp early, landing a check hook that caused significant bleeding from Fiorot`s nose. Shevchenko then caught a kick and secured a takedown, maintaining control in half guard for the remainder of the round.
Round 2
Shevchenko continued to land counter rights. Fiorot attempted a takedown, which Shevchenko stuffed. Shevchenko landed a body kick and a jab. Fiorot then sought grappling, and while Shevchenko initially landed a trip, they scrambled back to their feet. Shevchenko attempted a deep takedown, but Fiorot showed impressive defense. Fiorot landed a jab and attempted another takedown, which Shevchenko blocked. Fiorot secured a body lock and eventually powered Shevchenko to the ground. A controversial knee from Fiorot landed while Shevchenko was down but was ruled legal as it was blocked.
Round 3
Fiorot took the lead with her jab, continuing her pursuit of takedowns. Shevchenko used leg kicks to manage distance. In an exchange, Fiorot landed an effective inside elbow. Fiorot`s jabs were effective, forcing Shevchenko to evade. Fiorot successfully defended a level change attempt from Shevchenko and landed multiple knees to the body during a clinch attempt. Shevchenko landed a good knee in the clinch, but Fiorot used strength to push her against the fence, resulting in a period of stalemate. After resetting, Fiorot continued to seek a low takedown, holding onto Shevchenko`s torso, limiting action from both fighters.
Round 4
In the championship rounds, Shevchenko`s right hand began to land consistently, as did body spin kicks. Fiorot again sought clinches and pressed Shevchenko to the fence, but Shevchenko`s jab helped control the exchanges. Shevchenko executed a sharp reaction takedown, though Fiorot quickly stood up without damage. As time wound down, Shevchenko landed a left hand after slipping out from the fence. In a pivotal moment, Shevchenko connected with two fast right hands that clearly rocked Fiorot, scoring a crucial knockdown late in the round.
Round 5
The final round was critical for both fighters. Shevchenko landed straight punches as Fiorot advanced, while Fiorot used clinch knees to enter and control Shevchenko against the cage at times. Shevchenko landed a body kick, a left down the middle, and a counter after a Fiorot cross. A spinning backfist also connected for Shevchenko. She attempted another takedown, defended by Fiorot, leading back to striking range. Fiorot continued to pursue, stringing together punches and pressuring Shevchenko. In the closing seconds, both fighters traded strikes, with Shevchenko`s volume potentially giving her the edge in the close round, despite periods of control by Fiorot.
The fight went to the judges` scorecards, resulting in a unanimous decision victory for Valentina Shevchenko.
