In the co-main event of UFC Paris, we saw a potential title eliminator in the women’s flyweight division. Former two-time strawweight champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas (11-5) made her flyweight debut as she takes on France’s own Manon Fiorot (10-1).
Starting with Thug Rose, many weren’t sure she’d fight again after her last fight. Even she didn’t know if she would fight again. Namajunas last fought at UFC 274 a little over a year ago where she lost her title to Carla Esparza. It was one of if not the worst title fight in the promotion’s history. After some time away, Thug Rose was motivated again and was ready to tackle a new weight class.
Manon Fiorot made her UFC debut back in 2021. She’s gone a perfect 5-0 since stepping into the octagon and she’s taken steps up in competition along the way. Most recently, she defeated top ranked contender and former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian. She’s hoping with a win over Namajunas, she’ll get a crack at the flyweight title.
UFC Paris Recap
Round 1
The UFC Paris co-main event kicked off with Fiorot taking the center. Both ladies trade shots in the center. Fiorot throwing some snappy jabs to start things out. Nice side kick for Namajunas. Check right hand lands for Fiorot. Low kick now from Namajunas. Right hand lands for Namajunas.
Check left hook lands for Namajunas. Namajunas looks for a takedown but Fiorot defends well. Two minutes in and Namajunas might be dealing with an injury. Nice left hand lands for Namajunas. This is a very technical battle so far. Two straight jabs land for Fiorot and a left hand behind it.
Sharp 1-2 lands for Namajunas. Another left hand for Namajunas and Fiorot lands a nice combination. Low kick now from Namajunas. Another low kick lands and now Fiorot comes back with a combination. Left hand for Namajunas. Both ladies just miss big shots. Low kick for Namajunas.
Head kick from Fiorot just glances off the head of Thug Rose. Namajunas is wearing a little damage on her face. Both trade straight shots and Fiorot lands a combination. Another takedown attempt from Namajunas stuffed by Fiorot. Big shot from Fiorot to end the round. I have her up 1-0 at UFC Paris.
Round 2
The second round starts with Namajunas taking the center. Namajunas told her corner that she broke her finger in the first round, but she throws her right hand to start her striking. Left hook lands for Fiorot. Namajunas is fighting with a a little more pressure.
They clinch and Fiorot lands a couple of nice shots in the clinch. Big knee to the body from Fiorot off the break and that caused a big reaction from Namajunas. Body kick now from Fiorot. Namajunas lands a low kick but there’s not much heat on her shots right now. Meanwhile, Fiorot is landing everything with big power.
Namajunas lands a beautiful left hand off a side kick from Fiorot. She uses it to get a body lock and she’s looking for a takedown. However, she can’t get it and Fiorot circles away. Long jab now from Fiorot and a right straight lands for Namajunas. A clash of heads opens a cut on the side of the head of Fiorot.
Body kick from Namajunas and a side kick for Fiorot lands. Combination now from Fiorot. Left hand lands for Namajunas but there’s not much on it. The round ends and I have it 2-0 Fiorot at UFC Paris.
Round 3
Namajunas likely needs a finish at UFC Paris and she opens the final round with a lot of pressure. Combination from Namajunas and Fiorot backs her off with a stiff jab. Takedown attempt from Namajunas and Fiorot defends perfectly and then lands a body kick off the break.
Stance switch from Namajunas who is trying everything she can here. Two straight right straights land for Fiorot. Namajunas is still heavy on the pressure 90 seconds into the final round. Side kick to the thigh lands for Fiorot. Both ladies land big shots.
Namajunas is just walking forward right now looking for big shots. However, nothing she’s landing seems to impact Fiorot. Fiorot lands a nice counter. Halfway through the final round and it looks like we are heading to a Manon Fiorot decision win. Left hand lands for Namajunas.
She’s plotting forward and Fiorot is just circling on the outside. Right hand lands now for Namajunas. Namajunas is definitely throwing more than Fiorot here. Head kick from Namajunas but now a head kick from Fiorot. Big combination from Fiorot and she might have Namajunas hurt.
Sharp jab from Fiorot. 30 seconds left and Namajunas is going to need a miracle here. Big shot from Thug Rose and Fiorot slips. Namajunas gets a clinch and they break. The final bell sounds and Fiorot should get the win.
Manon Fiorot def. Rose Namajunas by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)