On Saturday night, flyweight great Valentina Shevchenko returned to the Octagon determined to reclaim the flyweight world championship in the Noche UFC main event.
Six months removed from her shocking fourth-round submission loss to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285, Shevchenko entered the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ready to take back the 125-pound title that she proudly held and defended for nearly five years. Standing in her way will be the reigning flyweight queen, Alexa Grasso, who carries both the title and the distinction of being the only woman not named Amanda Nunes to defeat Shevchenko inside the Octagon.
Round 1
Valentina Shevchenko immediately comes out throwing kicks, targeting Grasso’s lead leg and then to the body. 1-2 from Shevchenko. Both women stand in close and trade strikes. Grasso goes low with a leg kick. Shevchenko briefly clinches up, but Grasso lands a nice left hand over the top on the break. Grasso moves in and Shevchenko attempts to switch levels. Grasso defends successfully and Shevchenko resets.
A left hand from Shevchenko fails to get through the tight guard of Grasso. Straight right from Shevchenko gets through. Grasso swings with a left, but Shevchenko ducks under, pushes Grasso to the cage wall, and drags her down with just over a minute to go in the round. Shevchenko moves into guard. Grasso gives up her back but manages to scramble back to her feet with 30 seconds to go. Shevchenko clinches up against the fence and holds the position through the end of the round.
Round 2
Both fighters trade leg kicks in the opening moments of the second round. A nice combination for Grasso lands, but Shevchenko once again uses it as an opportunity to clinch. Grasso manages to break Shevchenko’s grip and return to the center of the Octagon. A left hand from Shevchenko lands and Grasso responds with a big right hand that drops ‘Bullet’ to the canvas. Grasso moves in as Shevchenko gets back to her feet. Grasso swarms in against the fence, landing a series of knees to Shevchenko’s body.
Shevchenko circles away from the cage wall and shoots in for a double leg as Grasso moves in. Shevchenko gets top control and goes to work, attempting to land strikes and knees from the guard. Shevchenko postures up and eats a solid up kick from Grasso. Shevchenko attempts an axe kick while Grasso is still on the mat. After a brief delay, Shevchenko attempts to leap back into the guard with a hammer fist, but she misses the mark.
Grasso closes her guard and attempts to keep Shevchenko tied up during the final seconds of the second round.
Round 3
Shevchenko comes out working the jab and the calf kick in the opening minute of the third round. Grasso responds with a jab of her own that lands. Grasso attempts to cut off the cage and corner Shevchenko, but ‘Bullet’ uses it as an opportunity to shoot in and score another takedown. Grasso scrambles to escape, but gives up her neck, allowing Shevchenko to lock in a mounted guillotine. Grasso remains calm in the hold and Shevchenko has no choice, but to let it go.
Shevchenko maintains control of Grasso’s back and locks in a body triangle. Grasso attempts to roll her body over, but Shevchenko proves to be too strong and flexible, keeping Grasso in a compromised position and peppering the champ with strikes. Grasso continues to try and twist her body and eventually passes into top control. Shevchenko transitions to an arm bar, but there’s not enough time for her to cinch it in.
The third round closes with Shevchenko in control.
Round 4
In the opening minute, both fighters are showing patience, utilizing jabs and calf kicks. Grasso’s corner calls for more activity as they believe she’s behind a round at this point. 1-2 from Shevchenko lands as Grasso tries to move in. Shevchenko attempts to shoot for a takedown, but Grasso defends and pushes Shevchenko to the fence, landing some solid knees to the head of ‘Bullet’ in the process.
Shevchenko shoots for a takedown and Grasso attempts to grab an arm and cinch in an arm bar. Getting a little too hasty, Grasso gives up position but manages to scramble back to her feet. It’s anyone’s round with 90 seconds to go. Grasso is busted open near her left eye. Shevchenko resumes pumping her jab as Grasso struggles to get inside and impose her will. A right hand from Shevchenko lands. Grasso again moves in and allows Shevchenko to get double underhooks and drag her down with ease.
Grasso scrambles back to her feet and rolls through for a heel hook, but there’s not enough time on the clock to make it a viable attempt.
Round 5
Shevchenko again comes out popping her jab anytime Grasso attempts to close the distance. A solid elbow from ‘Bullet’ lands as Grasso attempts to get more aggressive with the fight on the line. A calf kick from Grasso lands and Shevchenko responds with another solid combination. Grasso advances with a jab after landing the leg kick. Another leg kick from Grasso lands, but Shevchenko does a little stick and move, landing clean on the champ. Three-punch combo from Shevchenko connects as Grasso is beginning the wear the damage.
Grasso moves in and Shevchenko attempts to clinch, but Grasso is able to sneak around and take Shevchenko’s back with less than 90 seconds to go. Grasso is in the mount and begins dropping ground and pound strikes. Grasso locks in a body triangle from the back and works on a rear-naked choke, but quickly gives it up, opting to land strikes from the top.
Shevchenko rolls to her back with Grasso still riding her. With 10 seconds left, Grasso grabs a hold of Shevchenko and attempts a neck crank. Grasso holds the position until the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko is ruled a split draw (48-47, 47-48, 47-47)
Check Out Highlights From Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC Below:
T-Mobile is full ahead of the main event & the fans are excited for Alexa Grasso#NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/3hQY90MP5I
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) September 17, 2023
Entra Grasso! #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/hsAhSRiPWv
— Eduard Cauich (@MayanTiger1) September 17, 2023
How close was that! 😱
Alexa Grasso narrowly escapes the guillotine against Valentina Shevchenko.
What a fight!#NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/cOOTcjP6wK
— Skilla' (@SkillaSport) September 17, 2023
#NocheUFC @UFCBrasil @UFCFightPassBR amigo… que main event 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KslKq9Bet1
— Ariane “Sorriso” Carnelossi (@ArianeSorrisoo) September 17, 2023
WHAT. A. FIGHT.
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko just delivered a classic at #NocheUFC 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4XWShPAIN5
— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023
IT'S RULED A SPLIT DRAW 🤯@AlexaGrasso retains her title at #NocheUFC! pic.twitter.com/5kIGjT93fu
— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023
