Valentina Shevchenko Blames Split Draw on Mexican Independence Day ‘Pressure’

Alexa Grasso made her first flyweight title defense against Valentina Shevchenko in the main event at Noche UFC on Saturday. “Bullet” looked to regain the title she’d lost to the Mexican in a huge upset at UFC 285 earlier this year. 

Both fighters went toe-to-toe from the opening bell, with Shevchenko likely edging out the first round with some leg kicks and control time against the fence. Nevertheless, Grasso bounced back strong in the second frame, dropping Shevchenko with a huge right hand. However, the former champ managed to control incoming damage by landing an immediate takedown and spending the rest of the round in control. 

Shevchenko’s grappling dominance was also the story of the third round, although Grasso displayed impressive nerves in fighting through a guillotine. The fourth frame was extremely close as “Bullet” failed to control Grasso on the ground while the Mexican unleashed a flurry of knees during a frantic exchange. 

Although Shevchenko was seemingly leading in the final frame, she lost her grip during a tie-up and ended up giving her back. Grasso spent the rest of the round trying to sink in a rear-naked choke. 

In the end, Alexa Grasso retained her flyweight title with the fight being scored a