Oh, you’re in for a treat today. Let’s dive into a story that’s buzzing in the MMA world. Picture this: Manon Fiorot, a name that’s been echoing through the halls of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She’s undefeated and on a six-fight tear. This Saturday, she’s up against Erin Blanchfield, and folks, it’s gonna be a showdown.
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Fiorot, our French striking sensation, brought in some heavy artillery for her camp. Enter Flavio “Peroba” Santiago, a Brazilian luta-livre and jiu-jitsu black belt. This guy’s been in France since 2002, and in December, he teamed up with Fiorot. They’ve been cooking up some strategies ever since.
Santiago, speaking to Sherdog, couldn’t help but rave about Fiorot’s work ethic. Imagine this: every new move he showed her, she’d drill it to perfection. And not just that, she’d come to each sparring session with notes, eager to learn more. Talk about dedication!
But wait, there’s more. Santiago, roughly Fiorot’s size, also became her sparring partner. He’s seen her karate guard up close and personal, describing it as “like hell.” They’ve been focusing on cage defense, making it a nightmare for Blanchfield to take Fiorot down. And even if she does, good luck keeping her there.
Now, let’s take a quick detour to France. MMA’s blowing up there, big time. Santiago’s seen it grow from a handful of academies to being as common as juice stores in Brazil. Benoit St. Denis? Practically a national hero. With the UFC heading to Paris and the Accor Arena buzzing with anticipation, if Fiorot wins this Saturday, she could be headlining in her home country come Sept. 28.
So, there you have it. A tale of preparation, strategy, and the rising tide of MMA in France. Fiorot vs. Blanchfield, this Saturday, is more than just a fight. It’s a glimpse into the future of the sport in Europe. Stay tuned, folks. This one’s gonna be a barnburner.