Valentina Shevchenko’s recent fight at Noche UFC ended in controversy and left her feeling like she should be celebrating her second reign as the flyweight champion. Instead, the night concluded with a controversial split draw against Alexa Grasso. The fight had its fair share of back-and-forth action over five rounds, with both fighters winning multiple rounds on all three scorecards. However, it was judge Mike Bell’s 10-8 scorecard in the fifth round that created a significant uproar, resulting in a total score of 47-47.
Shevchenko was visibly disappointed by the outcome. She believed that she had won three rounds, with Grasso taking two, making the 10-8 score in the fifth round seem completely unfair. The fifth round initially appeared to be in Shevchenko’s control as she dominated on her feet, seemingly on her way to a unanimous decision victory. However, a failed takedown attempt led to Grasso taking her back and attempting a rear-naked choke submission, reminiscent of their previous encounter in March. This time, Shevchenko managed to survive and was confident in her victory.
Shevchenko speculated that the timing of the event, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day, might have influenced the judge’s decision to award a 10-8 score in the fifth round. She argued that a 10-8 round should be reserved for situations where one fighter is entirely dominated and unable to respond effectively. She felt that Grasso’s last-minute control and submission attempt did not constitute enough damage to warrant a 10-8 score.
The criteria for awarding a 10-8 round have evolved in recent years, focusing on impact, dominance, and duration. Shevchenko disagreed with Bell’s assessment, emphasizing that a 10-8 score should only be given when it’s unequivocally deserved. She expressed her hope for a change in the scoring system, acknowledging the frustration that many fighters experience in such situations.
In a perfect world, Shevchenko would love to hear an explanation from the judge for his 10-8 score in the fifth round, though she acknowledged the unlikelihood of that happening.
Despite the split draw result, Shevchenko’s determination and dedication shone through, even in the face of adversity. She revealed that she suffered a broken thumb in the first round but chose to continue fighting rather than giving up. She believed that stopping the fight would have been disappointing for the fans who had eagerly awaited their showdown.
Looking ahead, Shevchenko mentioned that she would ideally like a third fight with Grasso to settle their rivalry definitively. However, she emphasized that she wouldn’t rush into any decisions and would wait until she was fully healed to compete at her best. She is committed to performing at 100 percent in her next fight and believes she has much more to show in her career.
In the end, Valentina Shevchenko’s recent fight may have ended in controversy, but her resilience and dedication to her craft continue to shine, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for this formidable fighter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Controversial UFC Draw
What was the result of Valentina Shevchenko’s fight at Noche UFC?
Valentina Shevchenko’s fight at Noche UFC ended in a controversial split draw against Alexa Grasso. While both fighters had their moments in the back-and-forth five-round battle, it was a 10-8 scorecard in the fifth round by judge Mike Bell that created the controversy. The final result was a total score of 47-47.
How did Valentina Shevchenko react to the fight’s outcome?
Valentina Shevchenko was dejected by the outcome and believed she had won three rounds while Grasso had taken two. She specifically found the 10-8 score in the fifth round to be unfair, given the limited damage she had sustained during that round.
Why did Valentina Shevchenko think the event’s timing might have influenced the judge’s decision?
Shevchenko speculated that the fight taking place on Mexican Independence Day might have played a role in the judge’s decision to award a 10-8 score in the fifth round. This timing could have led to a more favorable view of Grasso’s performance, even though Shevchenko believed it didn’t warrant such a score.
What criteria are used to determine a 10-8 round in MMA judging?
The criteria for awarding a 10-8 round in MMA judging typically involve three factors: impact, dominance, and duration. Judges assess whether two of these three factors are present in a round and, if so, they may consider scoring it as a 10-8 round. If all three factors are present, the round should be scored as a 10-8.
How did Valentina Shevchenko handle her injury during the fight?
During the fight, Shevchenko revealed that she suffered a broken thumb in the first round. Despite the injury affecting her striking, she chose to continue fighting rather than giving up. She didn’t want to disappoint the fans who had eagerly awaited the fight.
What are Valentina Shevchenko’s future plans in the UFC?
Shevchenko expressed her desire for a third fight with Alexa Grasso to settle their rivalry definitively. However, she emphasized that she wouldn’t rush into any decisions and would wait until she was fully healed to compete at her best. She aims to perform at 100 percent in her next fight and believes she has more to show in her career.
More about Controversial UFC Draw
- Valentina Shevchenko – Official UFC profile of Valentina Shevchenko.
- Alexa Grasso – Official UFC profile of Alexa Grasso.
- MMA – Learn more about the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on the UFC’s official website.
- Nevada State Athletic Commission – The official website of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which outlines the criteria for scoring rounds in MMA.
- UFC News – Stay updated with the latest news and updates from the world of UFC and MMA.
- Mexican Independence Day – Learn about the significance and celebrations of Mexican Independence Day.
- UFC Events – Check out upcoming UFC events and fight cards.
- UFC Fighters – Explore profiles of other UFC fighters and their career statistics.
