Rose Namajunas went on to be part of the co-main event at UFC Paris. With Manon Fiorot as her opponent, this fight was no less than the headliner of the event. The two-time strawweight champion aimed to showcase her dominance against the homegirl.
On the other hand, French fighter Fiorot had the ultimate opportunity to add a remarkable victory to her resume in front of her home audience. Fate, indeed, favored the French fighter, as her performance inside the octagon ultimately led Bruce Buffer to announce her as the winner.
Manon making history at UFC Paris
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Namajunas said that she was going to reach Paris in order to surprise her opponent. Indeed, the former champion was a prime favorite for this bout in the eyes of fans and pundits alike. Fiorot, on the other hand, had to upset Namajunas under the bright light of her home soil. The first round begins with both fighters aiming to connect their punches.
Both fighters continued to exercise caution, aware of each other’s speed. With only 30 seconds remaining in the first round, Namajunas attempted a takedown, but Fiorot was well-prepared, preventing it from happening. The second round held significant importance for both fighters. They both launched quick attacks, but Fiorot managed to press Namajunas against the cage without securing a takedown. As they battled in the center of the octagon, Namajunas unintentionally clashed heads with Fiorot, causing her to bleed. Remarkably, both fighters persevered until the conclusion of the second round.
Unanimous for @ManonFiorot_MMA! 👏
She takes your #UFCParis co-main over Rose Namajunas pic.twitter.com/8UQ0GQfZbw
— UFC (@ufc) September 2, 2023
The high-pressure third round had the entire crux of the story. It began with both fighters seeking one big opportunity to get a hold of the fight. Both exchanged heavy blows, eyeing a knockout.
In fact, Fiorot didn’t back down; she landed a head kick on Namajunas followed by a series of punches. Surprisingly, Namajunas remained on her feet. Once more, both fighters held on until the conclusion of the third round. However, history was eventually made as Fiorot emerged victorious by unanimous decision. Following her victory, fans had plenty to say about ‘The Beast’.
How did the fans react to her victory?
The triumph was seemingly enough to surprise the fans. Surely leaving the former champion awestruck, Fiorot is indeed on the verge of becoming the biggest flyweight prospect in UFC.
A fan seemed upset for Namajunas and backed her for the future.
😢
Bounce back Thug Rose. Tough opponent and unfortunate you had to fight without you most powerful weapon.
Back to the grind!
— Dirty Plays (@dirtyplays_pod) September 2, 2023
In fact, former UFC champion Jamahal Hill seemed unconvinced by the decision.
Bro what? Rose pieced her up that whole fight!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) September 2, 2023
While Octagon Obsessed wrote this.
Hate that Rose broke her finger but Manon looked good
Give Erin Blanchfield the title shot #UFCParis
— The Octagon Obsessed (@octagonobsessed) September 2, 2023
This fan had his own idea on display.
Get Shevchenko in the octagon
— #7 (@boyzohir) September 2, 2023
While another fan threw shades on the victor.
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Nah she a boring fighter. She likes to run away from her opponents
— Ska (@SkAmazing17) September 2, 2023
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The victory turned out to be historic for Fiorot. She further made her intentions clear as she challenged Valentina Shevchenko for a title shot. Considering her bold challenge, what are your views? Will she be able to achieve the milestone? Let us know.
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