Manon Fiorot has snubbed Rose Namajunas' flyweight debut at UFC Paris. The French fighter fought hard over three-rounds, overcoming a gruesome gash on her temple to secure a unanimous decision victory.
Fiorot was aggressive in round one, using her larger physicality to bully the smaller Namajunas. "Thug" employed many of her usual strategies, darting in and out of range with slick boxing combinations.
Unfortunately, the size disparity played a big factor and Namajunas' effectiveness was stifled. As well as this, Namajunas encountered a finger injury which she complained about to her corner in between rounds.
Coach Pat Barry emphasized that Namajunas didn't need her finger, just her hand, before pushing her out into the second round.
RELATED: No Time! Volkan Oezdemir Submits Bogdan Guskov at UFC Paris
Fiorot broadened the gap between herself and Namajunas in the second, stepping up the aggression and snubbing any grappling attempts made by Namajunas. The pair clashed heads and Fiorot gushed blood from her temple.
Namajunas stepped on the gas in round three, but it was too little too late. Fiorot's aggression and strength paid dividends, and the third round was too close to call.
The judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 all in favor of Fiorot. What's next? Well, Fiorot wants the winner of Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2. It's either this or a title eliminator bout with Erin Blanchfield.
More must-reads: