MMA Preview – Manon Fiorot vs Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night 226
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
MANON FIOROT VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS FACTS
When is UFC Paris? Saturday 2nd September, 2023 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Paris? Accor Arena, Paris (France)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Paris? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Paris on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Paris? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MANON FIOROT VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS LOWDOWN
Manon Fiorot (10-1) makes the short trip up north to Paris to continue her quest for flyweight gold. She has been a breath of fresh air in the division showcasing her talented and aggressive striking. She TKO’d Victoria Leonardo (2021) and Tabatha Ricci (2021) before earning unanimous decisions over the super talented Mayra Bueno Silva (2021), Jennifer Maia (2022) and Katlyn Chookagian (2022).
Now she welcomes Rose Namajunas (11-5) to the division. The former strawweight champion tries her hand up at 125 lbs after her lacklustre performance giving away her title to Carla Esparza (2022) in a split decision. She has beaten the best strawweights of all time in Joanna Jedrzejczyk (2017 and 2018), Jessica Andrade (2020) and Weili Zhang (2021 x2). Now, she flies to France to take on a bigger challenge.
MANON FIOROT VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS PREDICTION
Namajunas has only fought outside the US twice and that was Andrade in Brazil where she got piledrived on her head and the UAE where she avenged her loss in a split decision.
This is a fascinating match-up. Namajunas has knocked out two of the very best strawweight strikers, but Fiorot is a different beast with more power. Namajunas is the better technical grappler, but Fiorot’s wrestling continues to improve and her weight advantage could pay dividends. Namajunas’ jiu-jitsu on the other hand is a different level and we would back her all day if they tangle on the mat.
They have the same reach and Namajunas is excellent at striking from range, but Fiorot’s aggression will be crucial in not letting her settle. We are backing the home favourite to fend off the takedown attempts, control the clinch and edge the striking exchanges with her power.
Her body and side kicks in particular should build up slowing Namajunas down. That said, the former champ is inconsistent and if she turns up on top of her game and gets the fight to the ground, she is worth a punt considering the odds.
Prediction: Fiorot via Decision
Value bet: Namajunas to win
