Manon Fiorot has denied the title run of Erin Blanchfield at UFC Atlantic City.
The Frenchwoman outclassed Blanchfield across the 25-minute fight, scoring a 50-45 on each judge’s scorecard. Blanchfield had no solution to the range and refused to adjust throughout the fight, repeatedly running into Fiorot’s counterstrikes for the entire match.
UFC Atlantic City tied for all-time knockouts with eight and would have secured the record if not for Chris Weidman’s TKO being overturned on the main card.
READ: Chris Weidman Scores Double Eye-Poke Decision at UFC Atlantic City
With this victory, Fiorot extends her perfect UFC record to 6-0-0, handing Blanchfield her first UFC defeat in the process.
Opinion
Blanchfield fights with urgency, and that’s good, but she lacks core fundamentals that cost her rounds. She doesn’t utilize a jab, nor does she respect the power of her opponents. Every time she storms in with the 1-2-1-2-1-2 flurry she risks being chinned — it’s just that the talent at flyweight can’t punish it.
The moment Blanchfield faces an opponent who can defend her takedowns and strike on the back foot with power, she’ll have huge issues. Her strikes lack venom, and I’m half sure some of her opponents could stand their ground and launch a big shot down the pipe mid-combo to end the fight.
It’s an ugly way of fighting, and it’s worked so far, but I believe the longevity of her career is affected by the unnecessary damage, and soon enough an opponent will be able to put her out.
Blachfield’s style is built around collision, she storms into range without any head movement and aims to collide with her opponent. She only uses body lock takedowns where a single-leg or blast double would benefit her most of all. All Fiorot needed over 25 minutes was a check-hook, a side-kick, and a shove to win. I wouldn’t hedge my bet on either fighter becoming champion soon.
I also think it’s pretty damning that a top-3 fighter in a UFC division with world-class grappling, refuses to grapple and opts to run into punches for 25 minutes without adjustment.
Respect to both fighters in the end, regardless of technique they fought their heart out and delivered an entertaining fight.
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