- George Chung
- Mar 19, 2024
- 2 min read
March is set to conclude with a bang for the women's flyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), featuring two significant matchups that could dramatically influence the title landscape. This comes as anticipation builds for the championship trilogy bout between current titleholder Alexa Grasso and former champ Valentina Shevchenko, following their roles as opposing coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
The action kicks off on March 23, with former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas taking on Brazil's grappling specialist Amanda Ribas. This bout marks a crucial opportunity for Namajunas, seeking momentum in the flyweight division after her debut setback against Manon Fiorot. Ribas, buoyed by a recent TKO victory and a Performance of the Night award, aims to solidify her standing in the division.
The excitement continues on March 30 in Atlantic City, where France's kickboxing talent Manon Fiorot faces off against New Jersey's grappling prodigy Erin Blanchfield. Both fighters have amassed impressive undefeated records since joining the UFC, positioning themselves as formidable title challengers.
Namajunas looks to rebound from her decision loss to Fiorot and a prior defeat that cost her the strawweight belt. Ribas, alternating wins in the flyweight and strawweight divisions, aims for a top 5 flyweight contender spot with a victory.
Fiorot and Blanchfield's encounter is especially significant, with the winner poised to potentially challenge for the flyweight championship later this year. Their paths to this pivotal fight highlight their diverse skills and dominant performances inside the Octagon.
As the women's flyweight division heats up, these matchups underscore the depth of talent and the dynamic rivalries shaping the future of the weight class, setting the stage for an enthralling year in the UFC.
