Manon Fiorot

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot, citing her size, takedown defense, and striking. He expects her to manage range and stuff Jasudavicius's wrestling. He notes Jasudavicius's wrestling credentials but doubts she can close distance against Fiorot. He prefers Jasudavicius as a fantasy dart due to lower salary.

Big Brady is impressed by Jasudavicius's improvements, especially her ground and pound and submissions. He thinks Fiorot's takedown defense hasn't been properly tested and believes Jasudavicius can get takedowns. He predicts Jasudavicius wins two rounds and takes a decision.

Cody picks Fiorot, citing her excellent takedown defense and superior striking. He notes Jasudavicius struggles when she can't get takedowns, as seen against Cortez. Fiorot's lateral movement and volume will keep Jasudavicius at bay. Cody expects Fiorot to win by decision.

Connor picks Fiorot, emphasizing her physicality and takedown defense. He notes that Fiorot is difficult to deal with physically and escapes quickly when taken down. Connor thinks Jasudavicius's path to victory is through repeated takedowns, which is hard to envision. He believes Fiorot will outwork Jasudavicius in a scrappy fight, as she has done against other high-volume opponents.

James views this as a striker vs grappler matchup, with Fiorot having elite takedown defense and superior striking. He acknowledges Jasudavicius's ground threat but doubts she can secure takedowns consistently. James notes Fiorot's toughness from her fight with Valentina Shevchenko (broken nose) and predicts a dominant decision win.

The host thinks Fiorot's perpetual movement, footwork, and distance striking will cause Jasudavicius too many problems, leaving her a sitting duck on the feet. He expects a classic Fiorot performance leading to a decision victory.

Paul picks Fiorot, agreeing with Cody. He highlights Fiorot's takedown defense against top grapplers like Blanchfield and Shevchenko. He believes Jasudavicius's striking is a hole and that Fiorot's speed and footwork will be too much. Paul expects Fiorot to win.

The MMA Guru picks Manon Fiorot over Jasmine Jasudavicius. He notes Fiorot's close fight with Valentina Shevchenko and her takedown defense. He believes Jasudavicius's takedown-heavy style won't work against Fiorot, and that she lacks the striking to beat Fiorot. He predicts Fiorot will stuff takedowns and out-land Jasudavicius for a decision win.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot to become the new champion, citing her size, power, takedown defense, and striking. He acknowledges Valentina Shevchenko's evolution into wrestling but believes Fiorot's takedown defense and power will be too much. He thinks Fiorot controls the striking and keeps the fight on her feet.

Big Brady is hesitant but leans Fiorot. He notes Fiorot's high-volume striking, elite takedown defense (93%), and physical strength. He acknowledges Shevchenko looked great against Grasso but questions if that was due to Grasso's poor performance. He thinks Fiorot's movement and the big cage help her, and she can defend takedowns. He predicts a close decision win for Fiorot.

Connor picks Valentina Shevchenko, agreeing with Zane that she is a master of distance management. He notes that Fiorot's wrestling has not been tested against someone like Shevchenko, who has developed new takedown entries. Connor believes that Fiorot's game is not dynamic enough to exploit any potential age-related decline in Shevchenko.

The host notes Shevchenko has been an underdog three times in the UFC and is 3-0 in those fights, expecting her to go 4-0. He believes she will compete in striking but ultimately use her clinch and grappling to dictate the pace and win on the scorecards.

The MMA Guru picks Shevchenko, believing she is being disrespected as an underdog. He notes her championship experience, reach advantage, and recent dominant win over Grasso. He questions Fiorot's performance against Rose Namajunas, who fought with a broken hand, and thinks Shevchenko's technical striking and adjustments will win her a decision.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot but is not very confident. He cites Fiorot's striking power and 91% takedown defense, contrasting with Blanchfield's poor takedown attempts in her last fight. He worries that Blanchfield's toughness and forward pressure could trouble Fiorot. He notes underdogs have won 66% of main events in 2024.

Big Brady picks Manon Fiorot to win by decision, taking the underdog. He sees it as a close fight that likely goes the distance. He favors Fiorot in the striking early, but worries about Blanchfield's pressure and grappling later. He notes Blanchfield's takedown accuracy is low and Fiorot's takedown defense is elite. Brady expects a split decision where Fiorot does better work early.

Cody sees Fiorot as a live underdog due to her takedown defense and counter-striking. He notes Blanchfield's recent struggles with takedowns (0 for 14 against Santos) and believes Fiorot can keep the fight standing and outpoint her. However, he admits it's more of a price play and not a high-confidence pick.

Daniel Vreeland picks Manon Fiorot at plus money, stating he bet her at +170. He believes Fiorot is very disciplined, won't get carried away, and can frustrate Blanchfield by staying on the feet and using her movement. He notes that Fiorot has survived takedowns before (e.g., against Jennifer Maia) and that Blanchfield's wrestling isn't elite. He acknowledges Blanchfield's submission threat but thinks Fiorot can avoid being finished and win a decision.

James sees this as a 50/50 fight due to the unknowns of whether Blanchfield can get takedowns against Andrade. He notes Blanchfield's grappling is elite but her striking defense is poor, while Andrade has one-punch power and strong clinch work. He leans Blanchfield because of her youth and potential to get takedowns in later rounds, but is not confident. He mentions Blanchfield at +150 offers value.

Fiorot's takedown defense and movement are key; she has only been controlled for 1:40 in 77 minutes of UFC cage time. Blanchfield's takedown success has plummeted (2 of 22 in last 4 fights), and she gets hit often. Fiorot's lateral movement and ability to pivot off Blanchfield's entries should allow her to land straight shots and avoid prolonged grappling. The fight resembles Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman where the wrestler fails on takedowns and eats damage. Fiorot by decision is the most likely outcome, though the last two rounds could be close.

Paul agrees with Cody that Fiorot is a live underdog, citing Blanchfield's takedown struggles and Fiorot's technical striking. He mentions the close fight with Rose Namajunas as a reference but admits he doesn't feel great about it, calling it a 'dog or pass' situation.

Angelo is confident Manon Fiorot dominates, citing her size, power, and volume. He notes Rose Namajunas is moving up in weight and lacks volume compared to Manon. He points out Manon has landed more strikes in each of her last five wins than Rose did in five-round fights. He has parlayed Manon with Ange Loosa.

Big Brady picks Fiorot, citing her size, strength, power, and volume advantage over the smaller Namajunas moving up from strawweight. He doubts Rose can outgrapple, outvolume, or knock out Fiorot. He expects Fiorot to win a decision, though he acknowledges Rose's striking talent and calls it an interesting test.

Cody picks Fiorot due to size and strength advantages at flyweight, and questions Rose's motivation after a lackluster performance against Esparza. He notes Rose's striking advantages were not used in that fight and she has been off for a year. Fiorot's kicking game and French crowd support are key factors. Cody sees Rose's offensive wrestling as a potential path but doubts she can take down or hold down a strong flyweight.

Daniel Levi picks Manon Fiorot, arguing that Fiorot's elusive, outside-fighting style will frustrate Rose Namajunas, who thrives in pocket boxing exchanges. He believes Fiorot will use sidekicks and movement to keep Rose at range, preventing her from letting her hands go. Levi dismisses the size narrative, stating that Fiorot is not a pressure grappler so the weight class difference is irrelevant. He expects a clear 30-27 decision, noting that Fiorot has a history of outpointing tough opponents like Mayra Bueno Silva.

Lucrative James is on Fiorot, having bet on her almost every fight. He thinks Fiorot is legit, top-five material, and that Rose is meeting her at the wrong time. He notes Rose's mental issues, long layoff, career-worst performance, and step up in weight. He believes Fiorot is bigger and stronger, and that Rose hasn't been finished except by Carla Esparza long ago. He likes Fiorot by points at +140, as he doesn't see a finish.

I'm leaning with Fiorot here. She has great takedown defense and a dynamic striking style with power and volume. Rose is a wild card mentally and may struggle with the weight cut to flyweight. Fiorot's footwork and ability to stay at distance should allow her to land significant strikes. However, I don't have a boatload of confidence because Rose has the experience advantage and could potentially get takedowns if she closes the distance. I think Fiorot wins by decision.

Paul also picks Fiorot, emphasizing her size and strength advantage. He doubts Rose's motivation and notes her inability to engage against Esparza. Paul thinks Rose's offensive wrestling could be a factor but that Fiorot's takedown defense and submission defense are solid. He expects a striking affair where Fiorot's speed and kicking game prevail, likely by decision (29-28 or 30-27).

Angelo leans Manon Fiorot, citing her superior striking, power, and takedowns. He acknowledges that Katlyn Chookagian knows how to win decisions and could steal a close fight, but believes Fiorot should be better everywhere. He advises no money or parlays on Fiorot.

Big Brady picks Fiorot to win by decision. He highlights Fiorot's power advantage and ability to mix in takedowns, noting she took down black belts Jennifer Maia and Mayra Bueno Silva. Cerminara has low striking accuracy (35%) and poor takedown defense (54%). He believes Fiorot can land the more impactful shots and control the fight on the ground if needed.

Cody is sold on Fiorot, calling her the best in the division not named Valentina. He notes her speed, power, and complete game, and that she has been rolling through opponents. He thinks Chookagian's volume lacks impact and that Fiorot is better in every aspect. Cody expects Fiorot to win and eventually challenge for the title.

Connor picks Cerminara, believing she has improved her boxing and ability to create memorable contact, making her a consistent round winner. He notes that Fiorot is often one-and-done with her striking and leaves openings, which Cerminara can exploit. He sees this as a natural gatekeeper role for Cerminara against a rising prospect.

Daniel Levi picks Manon Fiorot to win by decision. He thinks Fiorot can match or surpass Katlyn Cerminara's volume while minimizing strikes absorbed, citing Fiorot's 70% defense. He notes Fiorot has takedown defense and has landed takedowns herself. Levi respects Cerminara's experience and ability to win decisions, but believes Fiorot is the more promising fighter with fewer holes. He does not see value at -215 but picks Fiorot to pass this test.

Fiorot does the same thing as Chookagian but with more power and efficiency. She has good takedown defense and can redirect momentum. Chookagian may try to grapple, but Fiorot is stronger in the clinch. Fiorot by decision at -110 is a better line than the moneyline.

Paul likely picks Fiorot but is not confident, noting that it could be a close striking battle. He mentions Chookagian's experience and that Fiorot is still improving. Paul thinks Fiorot should win but acknowledges it could be a split decision.

The MMA Guru picks Manon Fiorot over Katlyn Cerminara (Chookagian) by TKO. He believes Fiorot's stand-up is superior and that she will hurt Chookagian with body kicks, then swarm for a TKO. He notes Chookagian's tendency for close decisions and Fiorot's youth and improvement.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot, citing her nasty striking, killer instinct, and finishing power. He notes that Jennifer Maia's 33% takedown accuracy and only two takedowns in eight UFC fights won't be enough to get her out of danger against Fiorot's striking. He acknowledges Maia's experience and well-roundedness but believes Fiorot's striking differential and ability to work back to her feet make the difference.

Big Brady picks Manon Fiorot to win by decision. He states that Maia does not use her grappling, averaging only 0.25 takedowns per 15 minutes, and will not win a striking fight against Fiorot. He notes that Fiorot is a big favorite and the line is widening. He cautions that Fiorot should not take Maia down, as Maia is dangerous off her back, but expects Fiorot to out-strike her.

Cody picks Fiorot, comparing her to Caitlin Chookagian who outpointed Maia. He notes Fiorot's mobility, karate background, and striking variety. He thinks Maia is slow and will be outpointed. He likes Fiorot by decision prop.

Daniel Levi picks Manon Fiorot, believing she will outpoint Maia with her sidekicks and volume. He notes Maia has the tools to win via takedowns but doesn't trust her to execute early enough. He thinks Fiorot is a legit prospect and will win on the scorecards, but the price (-400) is too high to bet. He calls it a dog or pass situation.

The host is high on Fiorot, citing her striking improvement, size advantage, and ability to replicate the game plan Catelyn Chookagian used against Maia. He expects Fiorot to keep the fight standing, use her speed and power, and potentially get a finish. He notes Maia is on short notice and that Fiorot's takedown defense and balance are strong.

Paul picks Fiorot, expecting her to win a decision. He notes her range weapons and pace will break Maia. He thinks Maia is durable but slow and flat-footed. He prefers Fiorot by decision prop.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot confidently, highlighting her elite striking differential (lands 8, gets hit less than 2). She has killer instinct, solid fight IQ, and works back to her feet quickly if taken down. Mayra Bueno Silva is a good striker and grappler but her wrestling is not great, making it hard to get the fight to the ground. Angelo likes Fiorot at 8900 in DraftKings and the more more on monkey knife fight.

Big Brady picks Fiorot by third-round knockout, citing her striking advantage and Silva's poor striking defense. He notes Silva has attempted zero takedowns in the UFC, which is a major concern. If Silva doesn't grapple, Fiorot will dominate on the feet. He acknowledges Silva's dangerous ground game but doubts she can get the fight there.

Cody is very confident in Fiorot, citing her high-level kickboxing background, lateral movement, and improved clinch and takedown defense. He believes Bueno Silva's aggressive, forward-marching style plays into Fiorot's strengths of kicking from distance and moving laterally. His only concern is if the fight goes to the ground, but he thinks Fiorot's jiu-jitsu is good enough to survive.

Paul agrees with Cody, calling Fiorot the pick of the week. He notes her impressive UFC wins, including a head-kick KO, and her maturity at 31 years old. He thinks she will chew Bueno Silva up on the feet and that the only way it gets greasy is if it goes to the mat.

Big Brady sees Fiorot as a phenomenal striker with power and volume, though her level of competition is low. He notes Ricci is hittable with 53% striking defense and negative strike differential. He doubts Ricci can take Fiorot down or hold her down, citing Ricci's poor takedown accuracy (18%) and Fiorot's strong takedown defense and get-up game. He predicts Fiorot wins by decision, calling it a big test she will pass.

Cody picks Fiorot, noting her diverse striking and improvements in grappling. He thinks her size and strength will be too much for Ricci, who is moving up on short notice. Cody expects Fiorot to win comfortably.

Daniel picks Fiorot to win by knockout, specifically a body kick knockout. He notes that Fiorot is much bigger (5'7" vs 5'1"), physical, has nasty kicks, and improving takedown defense. He believes Ricci is too small and that Fiorot will be able to keep the fight standing and land her strikes. Daniel is confident Fiorot will steamroll Ricci and get a finish.

Fiorot is bigger, stronger, and a better striker. Ricci is on short notice and moving up in weight. Fiorot should keep the fight standing and win by decision or TKO.

Paul picks Fiorot confidently, citing her striking and size advantage. He notes Ricci is a natural strawweight taking the fight on short notice. Paul thinks Fiorot's kicks and clinch will be too much. He expects Fiorot to be a heavy favorite.

Big Brady is very high on Manon Fiorot, praising her striking as fantastic and noting her power and accuracy. He criticizes Victoria Leonardo's striking defense, saying she got head kicked multiple times and has poor IQ. He believes Fiorot will have massive success on the feet and predicts a knockout in round two. He mentions that Fiorot opened at +115 and is now -190, and he would have loved to get her at the plus price.

The host believes Manon Fiorot's kickboxing and Muay Thai background will be too much for Victoria Leonardo. He notes Fiorot's improvements in grappling and ability to stay out of bad positions, while Leonardo's path to victory is on the ground. He predicts Fiorot will land a head kick or combination in the second round for a TKO finish.