After a thrilling showdown at Noche UFC that left fans and pundits divided, Alexa Grasso shared her thoughts on the controversial judging and her performance against Valentina Shevchenko. While the judges ultimately declared the fight a split draw, Grasso remains steadfast in her belief that she bested the UFC flyweight champion.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Grasso conveyed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I’m happy with my performance.” She went on to elaborate, “For me, it was 3-2 — the second, fourth, and fifth were for me — but I’m not the judge.”
Grasso entered the bout prepared for a fierce battle, acknowledging Shevchenko’s competitiveness, saying, “I expected everything. She’s very competitive, I’m super competitive, and I was expecting a war.”
The match itself lived up to the hype, with Grasso and Shevchenko showcasing their skills in a closely contested bout. Judge Sal D’Amato scored the fight 48-47 in favor of Shevchenko, while judge Junichiro Kamijo saw it 48-47 for Grasso. Judge Mike Bell delivered a perplexing 47-47 scorecard, even awarding Grasso a rare 10-8 round in Round 5. The media scores compiled on MMA Decisions also leaned in Grasso’s favor, at 12-11.
Despite the controversy, the UFC flyweight belt remains in Grasso’s possession. With contenders Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot vying for a title shot, the UFC faces a challenging decision regarding the next step in the division.
Grasso expressed her stance on the matter, saying, “It’s an interesting question. I don’t like to stop the division. There’s a lot of girls fighting to have this opportunity like I did, so I don’t like to stop it.” She continued, “It all depends on the UFC. If they want a trilogy, let’s do this. If not, I would like to give an opportunity for another girl. I know how it is to be fighting all the time, to wait for your spot, and I wouldn’t like to stop this division. But whatever the UFC says.”
When asked about her preference between a Shevchenko trilogy or facing a new opponent, Grasso remained noncommittal, stating, “I just fought, I don’t want to fight right now. But I don’t know, whatever the UFC says. I’m always up for whatever and any challenge they put in front of me.”
The controversial outcome overshadowed what was undeniably a thrilling display of heart and technique from two of the sport’s most talented fighters. Grasso and Shevchenko traded heavy blows and came close to finishing each other throughout the 25-minute battle. Grasso’s knockdown of Shevchenko in the second round set the tone for a fight that showcased her striking prowess.
Reflecting on the fight, Grasso noted, “I was expecting that. I know I always do damage with my hands and it’s something I was expecting from her, so I was prepared.” She acknowledged the need for strategy adjustments after the knockdown, saying, “When you have a good punch, of course you have to change your strategy, and I knew that she changed [her strategy after the knockdown].”
The climax of the fight came in the final round when Grasso, the Mexico-born champion, reversed a takedown attempt by Shevchenko and hunted for a rear-naked choke. This scene eerily resembled Grasso’s submission win over Shevchenko at UFC 285.
“I had flashbacks,” Grasso admitted. “But like I said, we are super competitive. She did her job, and it was hard to repeat it again.” She added, “The plan was to finish the fight, but I showed my power. I’ve been showing, every single fight, my evolution, everything I’ve been working on, and I’m just happy with everything I did in that fight.”
As the MMA world speculates about what’s next for these two exceptional fighters, one thing is certain: Alexa Grasso’s confidence and competitive spirit are undiminished, and she’s ready for whatever challenge the UFC presents next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Controversy
Q: How did Alexa Grasso feel about her performance at Noche UFC against Valentina Shevchenko?
A: Alexa Grasso expressed satisfaction with her performance, believing that she had won the fight, particularly highlighting rounds two, four, and five as in her favor.
Q: What were the judges’ scores for the Grasso vs. Shevchenko bout at Noche UFC?
A: The judges’ scores for the fight were as follows: Judge Sal D’Amato scored it 48-47 for Shevchenko, judge Junichiro Kamijo scored it 48-47 for Grasso, and judge Mike Bell delivered a 47-47 scorecard, with a puzzling 10-8 round for Grasso in Round 5.
Q: What is Alexa Grasso’s stance on the future of the UFC flyweight division?
A: Grasso is hesitant to stop the division’s progression, expressing a willingness to either engage in a trilogy bout with Shevchenko or give another fighter an opportunity, depending on the UFC’s decision.
Q: How did the fight between Grasso and Shevchenko play out in terms of technique and action?
A: The fight featured a thrilling display of striking and technique, with both fighters coming close to finishing each other. Grasso’s knockdown of Shevchenko in the second round set the tone for a competitive battle.
Q: What was the dramatic moment in the final round of the fight?
A: In the final round, Alexa Grasso reversed a takedown attempt by Shevchenko and attempted a rear-naked choke, reminiscent of her previous submission win over Shevchenko at UFC 285.
Q: What are Alexa Grasso’s thoughts on her overall evolution as a fighter?
A: Grasso expressed satisfaction with her development, emphasizing her growth and evolution in each fight, and is confident in her abilities as a fighter.
More about UFC Controversy
- Alexa Grasso’s UFC Profile
- Valentina Shevchenko’s UFC Profile
- MMA Decisions Database
- UFC 285: Grasso vs. Shevchenko Fight Recap
5 comments
gr8 recap of d fight! Alexa & Valentina rlly brawled it out, tough judges call tho.
It’s crazy how tech evolves in MMA too, these fighters are on another level now.
Alexa got robbed!! She deserved that W for sure.
It’s cool how Alexa’s ready 4 anything, trilogy or new opponent, respect!
The rear-naked choke attempt by Grasso in last round was fire! Reminded me of their last fight.