VIDEO: Alexa Grasso & Valentina Shevchenko Fight To Split Draw In Tremendous Noche UFC Fight
The UFC Women's Flyweight Championship rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko has concluded.
Grasso and Shevchenko first met back in March at UFC 285. Grasso pulled off an upset win over "Bullet," submitting her in the fourth round via face crank. Their second outing emanated from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 16.
Entering the big title rematch, Grasso was riding a five-fight winning streak. She hadn't lost a bout since September 2019, when she dropped a majority decision against Carla Esparza in a "Fight of the Night" effort.
As for Shevchenko, her loss to Grasso back in March was her first defeat since the Amanda Nunes rematch back in 2017. She was hoping to become first ever two-time UFC women's flyweight champion at Noche UFC.
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(via ESPN MMA)
Shevchenko opened up with a kick. She connected with another body kick. Grasso switched stances from orthodox to southpaw. Grasso landed a left hand over the top on the inside. Grasso stuffed a takedown, but ate a left hand over the top. A jab landed for Grasso. Valentina later answered with her own jab. They tied up and Shevchenko scored a takedown. "Bullet" took the back of Grasso briefly, but the Mexican star got back to her feet. Shevchenko kept her opponent against the fence before the horn sounded.
Grasso opened up with a combination in the second stanza. The two tied up, but Grasso fought it off. A leg kick was there for Grasso. Shevchenko was floored by a punch from Grasso. Shevchenko grappled her opponent, but the champion turned the tables. Grasso landed a knee to the body and connected with a series of punches on the inside. Shevchenko scored a double leg takedown. Grasso landed an upkick once Shevchenko postured up. Shevchenko returned to her opponent's guard.
The third round was underway, and the two threw out leg kicks. Another takedown was scored by Shevchenko. Grasso looked to get up, but Shevchenko locked up a guillotine choke. Shevchenko let go. Grasso gave up her back. Grasso turned, but her opponent followed. Grasso survived the round as Shevchenko attempted an armbar.
Shevchenko had success with jabs early in the fourth round. A leg kick landed for Grasso. Another double leg attempt was there for Shevchenko, but Grasso stuffed it and landed knees to the head. A knee to the body was there from Grasso. She took Shevchenko down and went for an armbar, but Shevchenko wound up in top control.
The two returned to their feet, and Shevchenko landed a strike that opened up a cut on Grasso. A jab connected for Shevchenko. A combination landed for "Bullet." Yet another takedown was there for Shevchenko, but Grasso got back up. Grasso went for a heel hook near the end of the round, but didn't have it.
Shevchenko continued to utilize her jab in the final frame. The two exchanged leg kicks. Shevchenko was keeping her opponent at bay with her effective jab. Grasso ended up taking the back of Shevchenko. She locked up a choke late in the final round, but let it go. She rained down strikes, but was warned for punches to the back of the head. Grasso went for a crank, but the final horn sounded.
The decision was read by the voice of the Octagon, Bruce Buffer. This one ended in a split draw.
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