Where We Stand: Women's Flyweight Division | September 2024

Outlook: “Bullet” left no doubt at UFC 306. She won nearly every round, navigated dangerous moments when Grasso threatened submissions, and generally looked like the same Shevchenko who collected seven title defenses during her first reign. Now, the two-time champion has a whole new crop of contenders eyeing her crown. The consensus is that Manon Fiorot is up next, as she weighed in as the back-up in Las Vegas, but the bout between Rose Namajunas and Erin Blanchfield — two women Fiorot beat — figures to play a significant factor, as well. 

Outlook: Grasso could never get much offense going in her second title defense against Shevchenko. She looked a little flat and was unable to stuff Shevchenko’s myriad takedown attempts, and now, Mexico’s first female champion has some work to do. One could argue she only needs a solid Top 5 win to get back into the title conversation, but she might find herself behind the pack for now. The lead-up to Riyadh Season Noche UFC was taxing on Grasso, so while the bout was her first in a year, it would be more than understandable if she needed a few months away from the spotlight. When she returns, fights against Blanchfield, Namajunas and Maycee Barber all make plenty of sense. 

Outlook: “The Beast” was in attendance at Sphere when Shevchenko regained her throne, and she also figures to be the next in line for a title shot. The 34-year-old Fiorot is perfect through seven trips to the Octagon since joining the roster in January 2021, and she should get her shot at gold next time out after besting Rose Namajunas and Erin Blanchfield over a six-month stretch.  

Outlook: Blanchfield hit her first speed bump when Fiorot beat her in their Atlantic City main event, but the 25-year-old seems to only just be tapping into her vast potential. She opened her UFC account with six consecutive wins, including three submissions, and can put herself right back into the thick of the title conversation if she can beat former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in Edmonton. 

Outlook: “The Future” stretched her winning streak to six when she outhustled Katlyn Cerminara to a decision win at UFC 299, putting herself in the Top 5 and primed for a big-time matchup. She had a main event assignment booked against Namajunas before health problems forced her out of the matchup. For the time being, Barber is in recovery mode and waiting for her next opportunity, but the 26-year-old can make a big impact in the title picture the next time she makes the walk. 

Outlook: After stumbling out of the gates in her flyweight debut against Manon Fiorot, Namajunas proceeded to pick up two main event wins over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez to gain some traction in the flyweight rankings. Now seated in the Top 5, “Thug Rose” could very well gain a shot at the flyweight title with a win over Blanchfield in November. Shevchenko mentioned her in her Octagon interview at UFC 306 as a potential next opponent should she handle business in Canada, so the Edmonton matchup is a crucial one.