Over the past week, UFC President Dana White has been making significant public announcements about upcoming title defenses in the organization.
Notably, Zhang Weili, Brandon Moreno, Aljamain Sterling, Amanda Nunes, and Alexander Volkanovski have all secured fights scheduled for the next four UFC pay-per-view events. However, among the other champions, only one has a seemingly assured bout on the horizon.
Alexa Grasso, the reigning UFC flyweight titleholder, is the champion who has a guaranteed fight looming in her future. Dana disclosed that Grasso will defend her title against Valentina Shevchenko in the coming months.
This announcement has sparked anticipation among fans as they eagerly await the clash between these two talented fighters.
“We’re working on that, too,” said White at the UFC Vegas 73 post-fight press conference this past Saturday. “That’s one of the fights we’re definitely working on right now.”
Result of Grasso vs Shevchenko
After an impressive winning streak against Ji Yeon Kim, Maycee Barber, Joanne Wood, and Viviane Araújo, Alexa earned her well-deserved championship opportunity against Valentina.
Following her victory over Araújo, the 29-year-old expressed her desire to face one more contender before challenging Shevchenko, who narrowly defeated Taila Santos in her seventh title defense.
However, instead of another contender, the UFC decided to match Alexa directly against the champion. Shevchenko praised Grasso’s skills, acknowledging that she was more than prepared for the opportunity.
The highly anticipated clash took place at UFC 285, where Alexa showcased her readiness for the challenge. In a captivating battle that is being considered a contender for ‘Upset of the Year,’ Grasso dethroned the formidable ‘Bullet’ in the fourth round with a face crank submission.
In her post-fight remarks, Valentina expressed her desire for an immediate rematch, citing a “stupid situation” that she believed led to her loss against Grasso. Shevchenko’s determination to reclaim her title adds another layer of excitement to their rivalry.
Expected announcement for the rematch announced by Dana White
Grasso has shown no hesitation when it comes to the possibility of an immediate rematch. In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the newly crowned UFC flyweight champion expressed her enthusiasm for a second fight against Shevchenko, stating that it genuinely excited her.
While Dana has yet to announce a specific date for the Grasso vs. Shevchenko rematch, the fighter herself has put forward a suggestion.
Grasso proposed September 16, which coincides with Mexican Independence Day, as a meaningful date for the highly anticipated bout. As one of the three Mexican champions in the UFC.
Alexa is hopeful that the promotion will consider hosting an event in her home country once again, adding to the significance of the rematch.
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