Sep 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexa Grasso (purple gloves) fights Valentina Shevchenko (blue gloves) throughout UFC Struggle Evening at T-Cellular Enviornment. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities
LAS VEGAS–Mexican fighter Alexa Grasso celebrated her nation’s independence day in uncommon vogue, holding on to her UFC flyweight title after combating to a seldom-seen break up draw in opposition to former champion Valentina Shevchenko on Saturday.
Grasso, who beat Shevchenko by submission in March to win the title, topped the cardboard on the T-Cellular Enviornment on the Noche UFC occasion, which had a powerful Mexican taste resulting from it happening on Sept. 16, the day Mexicans rejoice their independence.
Each fighters had their moments over the 5 five-minute rounds however neither might power a stoppage, and the judges’ scorecards produced a shock with one giving it to Grasso, one other to Shevchenko and the third scoring it as a draw, which means that Grasso held on to her belt.
WHAT. A. FIGHT.
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko simply delivered a basic at #NocheUFC 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4XWShPAIN5
— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023
Shevchenko stated she thought she gained the struggle three rounds to 2 and that the Mexican celebration might have influenced the scoring.
“The judges, I believe, felt a bit little bit of stress as a result of it’s Mexican Independence Day, that’s why they offer another (spherical) to the Mexican fighter,” the Kyrgistani former champ stated in a post-fight interview.
“I fought to the top and I believe I did sufficient. In a good competitors, the victory could be mine.”
Unsurprisingly, Grasso disagreed.
“I did a variety of injury … all of my punches had been arduous, and sure, I’m the winner. I believe I did sufficient,” the 30-year-old from Guadalajara stated.
The shut nature of the struggle has already led to calls from followers for a 3rd match, however Grasso was non-committal when requested about that prospect.
“It relies upon,” she stated. “I’ve to speak to my coaches and my supervisor. Let’s see what’s subsequent.”
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