Manon Fiorot ready to claim title shot she deserves

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Manon Fiorot believes she’s hit the end line in her quest to get a UFC championship fight.

On Saturday, Fiorot takes on Erin Blanchfield in the main event of UFC on ESPN 54 (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+) at Boardwalk Hall. It’s a huge fight for the women’s flyweight division, pitting together arguably the two most title-deserving contenders.

Although the UFC has yet to officially label the bout as a title eliminator, Fiorot (11-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) expects to get the shot if victorious against Blanchfield (12-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC).

“Obviously I already deserved two times the title shot, but that’s how life goes. Sometimes there’s injuries and other things,” Fiorot said at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 54 media day. “That’s the way it is. So, of course, I believe the next fight will be for the title, and I know they have to make the trilogy (first), so I will wait no problem. The next one is the title.”

The UFC women’s flyweight title is currently held by Mexico’s Alexa Grasso, who’s expected to face Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy bout later this year after they’re done coaching this season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Fiorot believes she’s done more than enough to deserve a title shot already, and defeating Blanchfield will just solidify that. That’s why the Frenchwoman said she doesn’t want to take another fight beyond Saturday unless it’s for a UFC belt.

“For an (interim) title, yeah, I’m open to that if it’s that kind of fight, but not just a normal one,” Fiorot explained.

In regard to the fight, Fiorot feels confident she’ll get the job done. She’s prepared for the challenges Blanchfield brings to the table.

“I think it will be a contrast of two different fighting styles,” Fiorot said regarding the matchup. “I know what she will do: Stay close to me, try to take me to the floor. I’m prepared and ready. I have no fear, and I know that I can manage both situations.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 54.