Alexa Grasso retained her UFC women’s flyweight title. She managed a controversial draw with former champion Valentina Shevchenko.
The two fought in the main event of the UFC Fight Night, which took place in Las Vegas. The gala evening was dedicated to Mexico’s Independence Day. It was clear that if it came down to a decision, then the judges would be partial to the champion from Mexico.
In the first round, Valentina Shevchenko landed a heavy kick to her opponent’s lung. Valentina Shevchenko was the more active and aggressive in this round. She also managed to score a takedown that won her the round.
In the second round, Alexa Grasso came back strong and managed to knock Valentina Shevchenko down. She immediately stood up, but that knockdown won the round for Alexa Grasso. The two entered the clinch, where Alexa Grasso landed knee strikes. Valentina Shevchenko survives and scores a much needed takedown. She gained valuable control time but lost the round due to the knockdown.
The third round took place entirely under the dictation of Valentina Shevchenko. She was able to score a takedown and tried a guillotine. It looked as if the guillotine would force Alexa Grasso to surrender, but she survived. Round was for Valentina Shevchenko.
After the 3 past rounds, the fight is 2-1 in favor of Valentina Shevchenko.
In the fourth round, Valentina Shevchenko started with jabs and Alexa Grasso responded with a low kick. She tries a takedown, which Valentina Shevchenko manages to defend. Alexa Grasso landed several knee strikes to the head of Valentina Shevchenko. She kept one hand on the floor and protested that knee strikes were not allowed. Repetition proves her wrong. The fight briefly moved to the ground, then Alexa Grasso stood up. Valentina Shevchenko elbows her in, leading to the arch for her opponent. Another takedown for Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso gets back on her feet. Valentina Shevchenko had the better positions in this round.
In the final round, Valentina Shevchenko led for the first few minutes thanks to his jabs. Alexa Grasso was quite passive but waited for her moment in the last 2 minutes.
Alexa Grasso landed a right on Valentina Shevchenko, who looked for the clinch. Alexa Grasso managed to get her back and the fight moved to the ground. Alexa Grasso started looking for a submission and was landing punches. Valentina Shevchenko survives but is still in a triangle from Alexa Grasso. The battle ends in this position.
So the fight comes to a decision which is surprisingly a draw – (48–47, 47–48, 47–47).
Alexa Grasso remained champion in the category. In the post-fight interview, she said that she didn’t know if he would give Valentina Shevchenko another chance.
