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A black belt in karate from Nice, France, Fiorot debuted in the Octagon last January, registering a second-round stoppage win over Victoria Leonardo that pushed her winning streak to six. Just over five months later, she extended that run to seven with a similar result against Tabatha Ricci, and in October, the 32-year-old made it eight straight with a unanimous decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva to cap one of the best rookie campaigns of 2021.
“The Beast” was booked to make her first start of the year earlier this month at UFC 272 opposite Jessica Eye, but the veteran was forced to withdraw, leaving Fiorot without a dance partner. But she’s moved from one former title challenger to another, as this weekend, the ascending flyweight steps in opposite Jennifer Maia.
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While there have been a number of impressive newcomers working their way up the ranks in the 125-pound weight class over the last year, what separates Fiorot is not only her kick-heavy, karate-based style, but also her power and high-volume approach. The French standout has earned six of her eight career wins by stoppage, and currently lands an average of just over seven significant strikes per minute, connecting at a 42 percent clip.
This matchup with Maia is another step up in competition for the ascending second-year UFC fighter, but the right step at this time and a result of what she’s been able to accomplish already. The Brazilian is a tough out for anyone in the division, having only been bested, by decision, by champion Valentina Shevchenko and former title challengers Katlyn Chookagian and Liz Carmouche since landing in the UFC.
Given Maia’s track record, a victory for Fiorot would clearly be a massive result that catapults her into title contention in the flyweight division.