Alexa Grasso (30, Mexico), the only Mexican UFC champion, defended her championship belt at the Mexican Independence Day event.
Grasso split to a draw with Valentina Shevchenko (35, Kyrgyzstan/Peru) in the women’s flyweight (56.7kg) title match in the main event of ‘Noce UFC: Grasso vs Shevchenko 2’ held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on the 17th (Korean time). He defended his title with a score of (48-47, 47-47, 47-48).
As the scoring results show, it was a famous match between Yongho and Sangbak. Challenger Shevchenko used jabs and takedowns to score points, while champion Grasso tried to take her round with impactful offense, including a knockdown.
The fierce challenger took the lead first. Shevchenko took the lead in a long-distance jab fight in the first round and attacked Grasso. Just when Grasso was about to close the distance and exchange her strikes, she took him to the ground with a double leg takedown.
In the second round, Grasso scored a knockdown to tie the fight. Grasso landed Shevchenko with a straight right hand punch during their exchange of blows, knocking Shevchenko down. Shevchenko got up right away, but Grasso was looking to finish her with a barrage of knees. Shevchenko managed to get a breather by controlling Grasso after knocking her down with her wrestling.
The third round was taken by Shevchenko with ground control after her takedown. In the fourth round, Grasso’s counterattack was fierce. Taking advantage of Shevchenko’s failed takedown, she launched a wave of attacks and even succeeded in a takedown.
In the fateful 5th round, the challenger seemed to have won. Shevchenko continued to hit Grasso’s face with jabs, and Grasso’s face was covered in blood. However, when Shevchenko dug an underhook and fell while attempting a takedown, Grasso took control of the back position like lightning. Grasso left a big impact by launching a powerful ground and pound attack and attempting a rear-naked choke submission.
In the end, the judges ruled the game a draw. Grasso, who defended the title, said, “I did a lot of damage and my punches were stronger. “I won,” he said, disagreeing with the decision. Regarding the possibility of a third game, “I don’t know. “I’ll have to talk to the coach and manager,” he said, avoiding an immediate answer.먹튀검증
Shevchenko also opposed the decision. He said, “I thought it was definitely my victory. However, because it was a Mexican Independence Day competition, I think the judges felt a little pressure. He expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “Because Grasso is a Mexican fighter.” He continued, “I played well enough to win. “If it were a fair competition, I would have won,” he emphasized.
Currently, there are two strong title challengers waiting in the women’s flyweight division. Tied for second place in the rankings are Manon Fioro (33, France) and Erin Blanchfield (24, USA) with 9 consecutive wins (6 straight UFC wins) and 11 consecutive wins (6 UFC wins). Attention is being paid to whether a third match between Grasso and Shevchenko will take place or whether another player will get the opportunity.
‘Noce UFC’ is a special event prepared by mixed martial arts (MMA) organization UFC to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16, local time), and a large number of Mexican fighters, including flyweight champion Grasso, participated.