Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso headlined UFC Noche on September 16. The fight was the rematch of the UFC 285 co-main event that saw Grasso upset the long-reigning Shevchenko to claim the women’s flyweight title.
The fight ended in a controversial split draw. The scorecards read 48-47, 47-48 and 47-47. Mike Bell who scored the fight a draw had a 10-8 round for Grasso on the fifth ground. The fight was quite interesting that entertained the pro-Mexican crowd in T-Mobile Arena.
Valentina Shevchenko reflects on bout vs Alexa Grasso
The fight ending in a split draw meant that Grasso successfully defended her newly acquired flyweight title. Grasso was happy about the successful title defense but Shevchenko and her team heavily protested the decision. Even Sean Shelby in the background was surprised about the decision.
Shevchenko even went further to proclaim that Mexican Independence Day was the reason Grasso won the bout. The challenger was adamant that she won the bout and heavily criticized Mike Bell who scored the fifth round a 10-8 for Grasso. The Mexican fighters in the fight card won majority of the bout and Shevchenko accused the judges of favoritism.
The fight was evenly matched with moments of brilliance from both fighters. Grasso dropped Shevchenko in the second round but got caught in a tight choke attempt in the third round by Shevchenko. The first round was fairly competitive as well as the fourth round. Shevchenko was winning the fifth round but a wrong move resulted in Grasso taking the back of Shevchenko and eventually winning the round.
The chance of a trilogy fight happening is high considering the close contest. However, Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot are waiting in the wings and with the fight ending in a draw, Blanchfield and Fiorot may have to weight longer or fight each other for a number one contender spot.
Alexa Grasso beat Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC
In the main event of UFC Noche in T-Mobile Arena, Grasso successfully defended her flyweight title with a split draw over former champion. At the end of the fight, round 1 and 3 were dominated by Valentina Shevchenko and round 2 was Grasso’s. However, one judge awarded the fifth round for Grasso with a 10-8 score,which was heavily criticized by all Valentina fans.
The fight saw Shevchenko peppering Grasso with stiff jabs. Grasso, who utilized her boxing in the first bout, saw Shevchenko recovering her mojo and peppering the Mexican with jabs. Moreover, she added heavy rear leg kicks that forced Grasso to switch stances.
The media and fans’ verdict is overwhelmingly in favor of the Peruvian Kyrgyzstani fighter. However, It remains to be seen what the promotion has in store for them. Who do you think won between Shevchenko and Grasso? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
