Watch UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot Free.

What's at Stake

This high-stakes flyweight main event serves as a definitive title eliminator to decide the next challenger for the 125-pound throne. Both athletes enter the Octagon ranked in the top five, knowing that a victory in the UFC APEX will likely secure a championship opportunity against the reigning titleholder later this year.

Head-to-Head

While this marks the first professional meeting between the two contenders, both have carved paths through the division with impressive undefeated streaks inside the UFC. Erin Blanchfield has utilized elite grappling and relentless pressure to climb the ranks, while Manon Fiorot has relied on her superior kickboxing and takedown defense to defeat former champions and top-tier veterans.

Key Players to Watch

• Erin Blanchfield — A submission specialist whose high-volume wrestling and ground-and-pound make her a threat in every grappling exchange.
• Manon Fiorot — A technical striker with significant reach and power who excels at maintaining distance and punishing opponents on the feet.
• The Referee — Given the contrasting styles of a grappler versus a striker, the official's discretion on cage-side stalling and resets will be crucial.

Prediction

The outcome hinges on whether the fight remains standing or hits the canvas, but Manon Fiorot’s superior lateral movement and defensive wrestling should allow her to dictate the pace. Expect Fiorot to win a competitive unanimous decision by landing the cleaner strikes over five rounds while successfully neutralizing the majority of the takedown attempts.