Manon Fioreau is keen to ensure her next fight is for the UFC women’s flyweight title, even if it means taking on less-than-ideal conditions.
Fiorotto (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who started his Octagon tenure with seven straight wins, would normally have a shot at the title by now. However, three consecutive title fights between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko have kept everyone away from title talks for the time being.
Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) and Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) are currently competing on Season 32 of the reality series The Ultimate Fighter. I’m looking for a coaching candidate. is expected to conclude the trilogy at UFC 306 on September 16th at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Fioroto is hoping for a winner between Grasso and Shevchenko after scoring a unanimous decision victory over Erin Blanchfield in the main event in February. But if something were to happen to either of them, whether it be weeks or days, Fiorotto would like to volunteer as backup.
“If I had to choose, the best choice for me would be to be a backup for the fight,” MMA Junkie said through an interpreter. “I think it’s good for someone to get hurt or lose weight, whether it’s Valentina or Alexa. The best option for me right now is to watch the game as a reserve for this game and maybe be the winner. I think it’s worth it to be able to compete after that match.”
In addition to the win over Blanchfield, Fiorotto’s return to the UFC also includes former champion Rose Namajunas and former title challengers Katrin Cerminara, Jennifer Maia and Maira Bueno Silva.
Fiorotto, 34, said there was only one other situation where he would enjoy fighting someone other than the winner of Grasso vs. Shevchenko, and that would be if the promotion introduced an interim belt.
“I’m the No. 1 prospect for three games in a row,” Fiorotto said. “I believe I deserve it and I will fight for it in my next fight.”
For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s UFC 306 event hub.
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