September 17, 2023 1: 24 am ET
Alexa Grasso kept her title in a rematch versus Valentina Shevchenko, however she did not include a win to her record.
In the primary occasion of Noche UFC at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) satisfied Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) in an instant rematch for the ladies’s flyweight title. After 5 hard-fought, back-and-forth rounds, the judges couldn’t identify a winner. Two judges provided dueling 48-47 ratings, while a 3rd turned in a 47-47 rating, resulting in a split draw.
The pro-Mexico crowd put in numerous chants in the opening minutes of the battle as the primary eventers got the action began with their veryfirst striking exchanges. Shevchenko looked to mix things up with a takedown, however Grasso wasn’t having it. However, a coupleof minutes lateron, Shevchenko was effective in getting the battle to the canvas. Grasso almost provided up her back, however rushed back to her feet, triggering more chants from the crowd.
Shevchenko continued to lead the dance on the feet early in Round 2, however a takedown effort was packed by Grasso. Shortly after the reset, Grasso linked with a difficult ideal hand that sentout Shevchenko down. Grasso hurried in to capitalize, however Shevchenko was able to grab hold to sluggish down the follow-up attacks.
GRASSO DROPPED SHEVCHENKO 😳 #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/OMW0DEzgZ0
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 17, 2023
Grasso discovered area to link with a coupleof brief strikes, however Shevchenko madeitthrough the scare and then finished a good double leg. Grasso threatened a guillotine choke, however Shevchenko ultimately worked complimentary. Grasso landed a coupleof great strikes from bottom priorto the horn.
Shevchenko took Grasso down easily for the veryfirst huge action of Round 3. She then rapidly assaulted the neck, leaping on a installed guillotine effort. Grasso stayed calm, ultimately triggering Shevchenko to offer up on the submission. Shevchenko then took Grasso’s back and regulated the position for the rest of the round.
Grasso stretched a takedown effort perfectly, and landed a coupleof great knees to the head while Shevchenko tried to keep one hand on the mat. She then discarded Shevchenko to the mat and assaulted an arm, however Shevchenko slipped out and the set returned to trading strikes in the center of the cage. Shevchenko looked for a takedown with less than 30 seconds to go, however discovered herself safeguarding a kneebar from Grasso.
With the battle appearing close going into the last round, somebody required to make a declaration in the l