Alexa Grasso is still the UFC women’s flyweight champion, but the result was by no means decisive. Grasso retained her title in a rematch against Valentina Shevchenko via split draw at Noche UFC in Las Vegas on Saturday night. After five rounds, the scorecards read 48-47 Shevchenko, 48-47 Grasso and 47-47, leading to Grasso retaining her title.
The outcome of Saturday’s fight will be debated in the weeks to come but one thing is certain: what started this year as a shocking upset of an all-time great is now the most defining rivalry in women’s flyweight history. Grasso and Shevchenko fought tooth and nail on Saturday with each fighter exhibiting moments of brilliance. A decision for either woman was justified, but an unexpected 10-8 scorecard by judge Mike Bell in Round 5 resulted in only the sixth draw in UFC championship history.
“Yes, I am the winner,” Grasso told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier during their post-fight interview.
“I think it was really 3-2 on my side,” Shevchenko told Cormier inside the cage. “I think the judges felt a bit of pressure because it’s Mexican Independence Day… In a fair competition, victory would be mine.”
Shevchenko leaned offensively on a crisp jab and body kicks…
