Round 1 – A quick right hook lands for Fiorot. Fiorot pushes forward while Blanchfield stays on the outside. Body kick by Fiorot. Another one follows. Fiorot attempts a takedown and slams Blanchfield! She then goes for a guillotine choke, but Blanchfield stands up, still holding onto the guillotine before releasing it. Three minutes remain. They resume striking. Fiorot lands a hard one-two combo and a big right hook. A jab follows from Fiorot. With one minute left, Blanchfield connects with a quick combo, rushes forward, and pushes Fiorot against the cage. Fiorot breaks free as the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fiorot.
Round2, Fiorot exhibited a clear mastery of timing and distance. Blanchfield attempted to close the distance for a takedown, but Fiorot showcased her grappling skills by reversing the attempt, ending up in top position momentarily before swiftly getting back to her feet. Throughout the round, Fiorot’s striking superiority was evident as she landed a left hook that found its mark and controlled the exchanges. Despite Blanchfield’s efforts to initiate a clinch, Fiorot adeptly defended against it, preferring to keep the fight in a standing position where her striking could shine. Notably, Fiorot delivered a crisp right hook that further highlighted Blanchfield’s struggles with the range. As the round concluded, both fighters returned to their corners with Fiorot clearly having the upper hand in the round’s exchanges.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fiorot.
Round 3 – Blanchfield attempts a takedown but gets shrugged off by Fiorot. Fiorot lands a one-two combo. Another right hook connects for Fiorot, who continues to find success with it. Two minutes remaining. Blanchfield throws a body kick. Fiorot’s range advantage is evident. A knee to the body by Fiorot as the round ends.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fiorot.
Round 4 – Blanchfield presses forward but gets outstruck by Fiorot, who maintains a significant reach advantage. Blanchfield becomes more aggressive but struggles with the striking. She attempts a takedown without success. Fiorot lands a straight right. Two minutes left. Fiorot continues to control the striking exchanges. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fiorot.
Round 5 –
Erin Blanchfield initiated the fifth round with a burst of aggression, unleashing a head kick to set the tone. Despite ramping up the pressure, she encountered difficulties in landing clean shots on Manon Fiorot, who showcased her defensive prowess. Fiorot retaliated with a series of precise strikes, including a notable right hook that furthered Blanchfield’s challenge. By this stage, Blanchfield sported a small cut under her left eye, indicative of the striking exchanges.
As the round progressed and reached the two-minute mark, Blanchfield’s pursuit continued, yet she struggled to make significant connections due to Fiorot’s evasive maneuvers and strategic positioning. Fiorot, on the other hand, capitalized on her range and timing, landing a powerful one-two combination that showcased her striking finesse. Blanchfield attempted to shift the momentum by pressing Fiorot against the cage, aiming for a takedown to gain control, but Fiorot’s defense remained resolute.
In the closing moments of the round, both fighters engaged in exchanges, delivering combinations in rapid succession, yet none found their mark decisively. The sound of the bell marked the conclusion of a dynamic round where Blanchfield’s aggressive intent clashed with Fiorot’s calculated defense and striking precision, ultimately leaving Fiorot with the advantage as they headed back to their corners.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Fiorot. Overall 50-45 for Fiorot.
Result: Manon Fiorot defeats Erin Blanchfield via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Recap: Manon Fiorot secures unanimous decision win against Erin Blanchfield, calls for title shot
Photos: Manon Fiorot secures unanimous decision win against Erin Blanchfield at UFC on ESPN 54: Best photos
Records: Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN
Referee: Vitor Ribeiro
Judging: Eric Colon, Sal D’Amato, Chris Lee 50-45.
