Valentina Shevchenko will face Alexa Grasso for flyweight title at a UFC event in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day. Shevchenko, who is renowned for her commanding performances and technical prowess, will aim to once more highlight her championship pedigree.
Grasso, a gifted and prospective candidate, poses a tough task with her impressive competence and broad range of skills. ‘Bullet’ hopes to extend her term as champion and maintain her position as one of the top competitors in the class. Grasso, meantime, has the chance to make a statement by unseating the champion and winning the flyweight championship.
Shevchenko lost flyweight title to Grosso at UFC 285
As the third Mexican-born champion in the UFC this year, Alexa Grasso created history at UFC 285 when she submitted flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. The fight was a close contest, as Grasso consistently showed herself to be a worthy opponent. Shevchenko seemed to be in charge until Grasso took advantage of a single mistake to rear-naked choke the champion at the 4:34 minute of the fourth round.
Grasso, who was a 6-to-1 underdog, referred to the moment as a dream come true. She said, “Punch me, I feel like I’m dreaming.” I’ve been waiting my entire life for this moment. The victory was a huge shocker, ranking as the sixth biggest upset in a UFC title match during the previous 15 years.
Shevchenko was gracious in defeat and acknowledged that a single error may alter the course of the match. “There is no doubt that you are winning the battle overall, but one circumstance has the power to turn the tide. It’s all part of the game. Congratulations to Alexa!” she said. When the results were announced, she immediately demanded a rematch.
Alexa Grasso "would love" to rematch Valentina Shevchenko and put any "fluke" talk to bed đ€ #TheMMAHour
"I think itâs going to be important to show everyone that Iâm the champion.â
â¶ïž https://t.co/JcrgzatfWO pic.twitter.com/LCNKgSGFQ4
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 20, 2023
Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko II set for Vegas fight night
The flyweight title will be on the line at the upcoming UFC Fight Night event on September 16, where Grasso and Shevchenko will square off. The MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings rank Grasso at No. 2 and Shevchenko at No. 3.
The rematch takes place just over six months after Grasso dethroned Shevchenko to win the new 125-pound champion at UFC 285 in March.
Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 targeted for September đ„ #UFC #MMA https://t.co/svZfaBsSC1
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) June 22, 2023
Now they meet again, with Grasso looking to dethrone Shevchenko, the UFC’s longest standing women’s champion, who has previously defended her title seven times. Since switching to the flyweight class, Grasso has gone undefeated and is presently on a five-fight winning streak overall.
Shevchenko, who has lost just three times in the UFC following two prior defeats to Amanda Nunes at bantamweight, tries to recover. At 125 pounds, Shevchenko has an overall 9-1 record, including victories against seasoned competitors like Jessica Andrade, Jessica Eye, Lauren Murphy, and Katlyn Chookagian.
Can this time Valentina Shevchenko win over Alexa Grasso on the eve of Mexican Independence Day. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
