As the UFC moves on from Sean Strickland’s upset win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, it revisits another upset, where Alexa Grasso defeated the former champion Valentina Shevchenko back in March. Now, a rematch between the two is upon us, as Shevchenko will get a chance to reclaim the title that she held for the better part of five years.
In their first fight, Shevchenko was the clear favorite, having been on a nine-fight win streak of which seven were title defenses. Unfortunately for her, Grasso, who herself was on a 4 fight win streak, was responsible for one of the greatest upsets in UFC history when she choked out the champion in the 4th round of their fight.
THE. ACTION. DOESN’T. STOP. 🔥
We got a title fight this Saturday on Mexican Independence Day!
🏆🇲🇽Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko 2 | #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/BZfrsmJ2yT
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 11, 2023
Coming in as the underdog, clearly not as well-armed as her opponent, Alexa Grasso was able to get the best win of her career. But even after the historic win, the question of it being a fluke looms ominously over her head. The only way to dispel it? Repeat her feat this weekend in Las Vegas. Let’s take a look at how the two match up for UFC Fight Night.
Alexa Grasso Vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 stats
Stats | Alexa Grasso | Valentina Shevchenko |
---|---|---|
Wins | 15 | 23 |
Losses | 3 | 3 |
Height | 5’5″ | 5’5″ |
Division | Flyweight | Flyweight |
Reach | 66″ | 66″ |
Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
Fight Breakdown and Prediction
Valentina Shevchenko, who will head into the fight at 35 years of age, suffered her first defeat in almost 5 years at the hands of Alexa Grasso. Subsequently, overcoming this defeat would be mentally and physically grueling, and one of the hardest things a champion has to do. The likes of Ronda Rousey, Kamaru Usman, and Joanna Jedrzejczyk can attest to the difficulty of ascending the summit after a hard fall.
They’re running it đź”™
The rematch for the flyweight title kicks off THIS Saturday on Mexican Independence Day! 🇲🇽
🏆Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko 2 | #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/o1atMkUkeV
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 11, 2023
Even though Shevchenko is the more well-rounded fighter among the two, Alexa Grasso’s stature as champion and her astute boxing, along with her surprising grappling ability, make her a formidable opponent. As such, it will be an exhilarating contest with the slight edge going to Grasso. Valentina Shevchenko, in her bid to reclaim the title, must not depend on the judges to give her a decision. Therefore, a knockout or submission should be her goal right from the get-go.
Shevchenko was a magnanimous champion, and as such should be quick to learn from her mistakes from their first fight. A win will help her remain as one of the GOATs of the UFC, and a loss may lead to a gradual movement toward obscurity given her age. Alexa Grasso, on the other hand, who is coming into her prime, can be the new face of the flyweight division if she replicates her performance from their earlier bout.
Who do you got this weekend? Alexa Grasso or Valentina Shevchenko? Let us know.