Valentina Shevchenko Aims to Take Control in UFC Trilogy Bout with Alexa Grasso
Valentina Shevchenko is laser-focused on reclaiming her flyweight title in her highly anticipated trilogy fight against current champion Alexa Grasso. After a controversial split draw in their last encounter, Shevchenko is determined not to leave the result in the hands of the judges this time. As the two fighters gear up to face each other again during Noche UFC at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14, Shevchenko has one goal in mind: finish the fight decisively.
Controversial Split Draw Fuels Shevchenko’s Determination
In their last bout, held in September 2022, Shevchenko and Grasso fought to a split draw. One judge controversially scored the final round 10-8 in favor of Grasso, a decision that allowed the Mexican fighter to retain her title. The fight took place during the inaugural Noche UFC event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day weekend—a setting that Shevchenko believes may have influenced the outcome.
Reflecting on the fight, Shevchenko expressed her dissatisfaction with the scoring. “We know why this fight is happening,” . “It was a draw because of a mistake by one of the judges. If not for that mistake, the victory was mine.” She went on to question the scoring, adding, “I hope it was by accident and wasn’t done on purpose because of personal reasons.”
Shevchenko’s Strategy: Avoid the Judges
As the trilogy fight approaches, Shevchenko is taking no chances. She emphasized that her primary focus is to finish the fight before it can be left to the judges’ scorecards. “I have to definitely finish the fight and don’t let it go to the judges’ scorecards,” Shevchenko said. “That is my No. 1 goal.”
Shevchenko’s frustration with the previous decision has only fueled her motivation to take control of the upcoming bout. The former flyweight champion knows that a decisive finish is the only way to guarantee her victory and avoid the controversy that marred their last encounter.
Grasso’s Upset Win and the Road to the Trilogy
Alexa Grasso shocked the MMA world when she submitted Shevchenko in the fourth round of UFC 285 in March 2023 to win the flyweight championship. The split draw in their rematch kept the belt around Grasso’s waist, but it also set the stage for a third meeting between the two elite fighters. Their rivalry has only intensified since, with both fighters serving as opposing coaches on the most recent season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”
The trilogy fight will not only decide who reigns supreme in the flyweight division but will also be part of the UFC’s first-ever event at The Sphere, a state-of-the-art $2.3 billion venue in Las Vegas. UFC president Dana White has described the event as potentially “the greatest sporting event of all time” due to its high-end production and one-of-a-kind setting.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
While the grandeur of the venue is set to make the event unforgettable, Shevchenko is keeping her focus squarely on the fight. “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Shevchenko said about competing at The Sphere. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go out there and see it because I will have tunnel vision for my fight that night. But I will definitely watch it on videotape after it’s over.”
For Shevchenko, this trilogy fight represents more than just a chance to regain her title—it’s an opportunity to right the wrongs of their last encounter and leave no doubt about who the true champion is. Fans can expect a fierce battle as both Shevchenko and Grasso aim to leave their mark in UFC history.
As Noche UFC approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see whether Shevchenko can complete her redemption arc or if Grasso will solidify her reign as flyweight champion.
