UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, like everyone else, was baffled by the contentious split draw that resulted in Alexa Grasso holding onto her flyweight world title on Saturday night.
At Noche UFC in a packed T-Mobile Arena, Alexa Grasso defended her 125-pound title against Valentina Shevchenko, the same fighter from whom she originally won the gold. The 25-minute showdown delivered an instant classic, with both fighters displaying exceptional skills. Regrettably, fans witnessed yet another controversial decision when Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer declared the bout a split draw, allowing Grasso to maintain her championship.
WHAT. A. FIGHT.
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko just delivered a classic at #NocheUFC 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4XWShPAIN5
— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023
In a video that’s been circulating on social media (specifically X, formerly known as Twitter), you can spot UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby wearing an expression of utter bewilderment. This happened right after he was informed of the decision by Buffer, just moments before he stepped in front of the live audience.
Sean Shelby: "What the…"pic.twitter.com/zSt0LlTAeq
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) September 17, 2023
Grasso vs. Shevchenko Ends in a Split Draw, Leaves Sean Shelby Speechless – Could a Trilogy Bout Be Next?
The split draw decision was quite unexpected, mainly because MMA judge Mike Bell gave Alexa Grasso a 10-8 score for the fifth round of the fight. It left everyone in attendance, including commentators Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Daniel Cormier, utterly puzzled by both the decision and the 10-8 score. If Bell had scored the round as a more conventional 10-9 in favor of Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko would have been favored on two out of the three scorecards, securing her as a two-time flyweight world champion.
As a result, Alexa Grasso will continue to hold the title, and it leaves the flyweight division with a potential delay as the UFC mulls over whether they’ll go ahead with the trilogy bout.
Following the controversial outcome at UFC Noche, there have been suggestions for a third showdown between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. However, ‘Bullet’ mentioned in a post-fight interview that she had sustained a thumb fracture during the bout and would require a scan before determining her next move.
Do you want to see Grasso vs. Shevchenko 3, or should another fighter in the division get a chance at the UFC title?
