Michael Bisping isn’t buying the result of the recent flyweight title showdown. In a thrilling bout on Mexican Independence Day, Alexa Grasso, Mexico’s last fighting UFC champion, squared off against former champion Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso’s earlier upset victory had set the stage for this highly anticipated rematch during Noche UFC in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The two top fighters in the 125-pound division delivered an intense five-round showdown, marked by momentum shifts, powerful strikes, and tense grappling exchanges. However, when the dust settled, it was up to the judges to declare a winner, and to the surprise of many, the bout was declared a split draw. One judge scored it 48-47 for each fighter, while the third judge, Michael Bell, scored it 47-47 due to a 10-8 round in favor of Grasso in the fifth.
Michael Bisping, a former middleweight champion, is no stranger to controversial decisions in combat sports. In his opinion, Shevchenko should have won the fight, possibly with a score of three rounds to two, or even four rounds to one.
Bisping voiced his disagreement on his YouTube channel, particularly taking issue with the 10-8 round awarded to Grasso in the fifth. He argued that the understanding of a 10-8 round varies among people and that in the past, it required nearly annihilating your opponent to secure such a score. According to him, the fifth round was largely controlled by Shevchenko, who out-struck Grasso with sharp jabs and landed 41 total strikes in that round. Grasso only gained control toward the end of the round, with a missed takedown attempt from Shevchenko.
While a draw is never the ideal outcome, it seems likely that this result will lead to a trilogy fight between Grasso and Shevchenko. Unfortunately, this means that other top contenders like Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot will have to wait for their shot at the title. Shevchenko mentioned in her post-fight press conference that she broke her thumb in the first round, adding uncertainty to her return timeline.
Bisping believes the fight should happen again to settle the unfinished business. He acknowledges that it wasn’t a robbery but rather a very entertaining fight, and he congratulated Alexa Grasso on her performance.
In conclusion, the flyweight division continues to deliver excitement and intrigue, with the prospect of a trilogy fight on the horizon. Fans will have to wait and see how the storyline unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rematch
What was the result of the Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 fight?
The Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 fight ended in a split draw. Each fighter received one 48-47 scorecard from the judges, and the third judge scored it 47-47 due to a 10-8 round in favor of Grasso in the fifth.
Why does Michael Bisping disagree with the fight’s outcome?
Michael Bisping believes that Valentina Shevchenko should have won the fight, possibly with a score of three rounds to two or even four rounds to one. He particularly disagrees with the 10-8 round awarded to Alexa Grasso in the fifth, stating that it didn’t meet the traditional criteria for a 10-8 round.
Is there a possibility of a rematch between Grasso and Shevchenko?
Yes, it’s highly likely that there will be a rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. The split draw result leaves the storyline open for a trilogy fight, which would determine the definitive winner.
Did Valentina Shevchenko mention any injury after the fight?
Yes, Valentina Shevchenko revealed that she broke her thumb in the first round of the fight. Her injury adds uncertainty to her return timeline and potential rematch with Grasso.
How did the fifth round of the fight play out?
In the fifth round, Valentina Shevchenko largely controlled the action, out-striking Grasso with sharp jabs and landing 41 total strikes in that round. However, Grasso gained control toward the end of the round, with a missed takedown attempt from Shevchenko.
What are the implications of this fight’s result for the flyweight division?
The split draw in this fight prolongs the wait for other top contenders like Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot to get their shots at the flyweight title. The likely trilogy fight between Grasso and Shevchenko takes precedence, impacting the division’s immediate title picture.
More about Rematch
- Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel
- Valentina Shevchenko
- Alexa Grasso
- Noche UFC event
- Flyweight division
- Erin Blanchfield
- Manon Fiorot
4 comments
The typos and grammar here are cray, but the info’s solid. Flyweights bring da action!
omg, Bisping’s so mad ’bout the score, but like, fair play to Grasso. Rematch, fo sho!
Val broke her thumb? Whoa, that’s rough. Hope she heals up quick and we get that rematch soon!
Shevchenko is a beast, bisping’s on point. More drama in the flyweights, giv us dat trilogy!