Manon Fiorot is laser-focused. She’s gunning for a title shot, interim or not.
Suddenly, there’s an ad break. Classic.
Fiorot’s recent victory over Erin Blanchfield at UFC on ESPN 54 was nothing short of impressive. Yet, she’s stuck in a waiting game. Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko are up next, coaching “The Ultimate Fighter 32” before their trilogy fight. Fiorot’s itching to be the backup, but she’s also game for another fight—especially if it means snagging an interim title.
“I’d prefer to be the backup for Grasso vs. Shevchenko,” Fiorot confessed to MMAjunkie.com. She sees it as a win-win. Either step in if there’s a hiccup or face the victor. And if not? She’s eyeing that interim title, feeling she’s earned her shot.
Fiorot’s stance has shifted over time. Initially, she was all about fighting Shevchenko, the then-undisputed champ. But post-Shevchenko’s loss to Grasso, Fiorot’s focus is solely on the title, regardless of who holds it. Respect for Shevchenko remains, but Fiorot’s eyes are on the prize.
Maycee Barber is also in the mix, eyeing the backup slot for Shevchenko vs. Grasso 3. Barber, trailing Fiorot in the flyweight win streak, didn’t find Fiorot’s performance in Atlantic City thrilling. Fiorot’s not impressed by Barber’s fights either but admits an interim title bout with “The Future” would be an “easy” win.
“To be honest, Maycee’s fights? Yawn,” Fiorot remarked. She recalls Barber’s fight against Katlyn Cerminara, unimpressed but acknowledging her own victory despite a knee injury. For Fiorot, fighting Barber is only appealing for the interim belt. Anything less? Not worth her time.