In this article, we will be discussing the recent UFC title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, which ended in a draw. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the decision, with fans and experts having differing opinions. Let’s dive into the details of the fight and analyze the scoring criteria to determine if the draw was a fair outcome.

The Fight: Grasso vs Shevchenko

The main event of the evening was a flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. The fight was highly anticipated, and both fighters put on an impressive performance. However, the judges’ decision to declare the fight a draw has sparked a heated debate among fans and experts.

Round 1: Shevchenko’s Dominance

The first round started with Shevchenko landing some beautiful crisp body kicks to Grasso’s liver. It was a close round, but Shevchenko landed more shots and did more damage with those body kicks. Many people, including myself, gave the round to Shevchenko.

Round 2: Grasso’s Comeback

In the second round, Grasso came back strong and looked impressive. It was an even round, but Grasso landed a massive right hand that dropped Shevchenko. However, Shevchenko showed her survival instincts and managed to hit a double leg takedown to get back on top. It was a close round, but Shevchenko’s takedown gave her the edge.

Round 3: Shevchenko’s Submission Attempt

In the third round, Shevchenko continued to dominate and came close to securing a guillotine choke. Grasso showed incredible resilience and refused to tap. Shevchenko transitioned to the back, but the round ended before she could secure a submission. It was a clear win for Shevchenko in this round.

Round 4: Controversial Round

The fourth round was a close one and has been a subject of debate among fans. While watching the fight live, I believed Shevchenko did enough to win the round. However, opinions on this round vary, and it ultimately comes down to personal interpretation.

Round 5: The Deciding Round

The fifth and final round was crucial for both fighters. It was a highly technical round, with both fighters displaying their skills in all aspects of mixed martial arts. Shevchenko was peppering Grasso’s face with jabs and busting her up. However, towards the end of the round, Grasso managed to escape a potential submission and ended up in mount. Shevchenko’s dominance in the majority of the round makes it debatable whether it was a 10-9 round for Grasso or Shevchenko.

The Controversial Decision

After five hard-fought rounds, the judges’ decision was announced as a split draw. This decision has caused a lot of controversy and debate among fans and experts. One judge gave the fight to Grasso, one judge gave it to Shevchenko, and the third judge scored it as a draw.

The controversy stems from referee Mike Bell’s decision to give a 10-8 round to Grasso in the fifth round. Many people, including myself, believe that this was an incorrect assessment. The criteria for a 10-8 round is a clear winner, where you can confidently say that one fighter dominated the round. In this case, neither fighter dominated the round to that extent.

While Grasso did land some significant shots while on top, Shevchenko was controlling the round with her jabs and overall striking. Whether you believe it was a 10-9 round for Grasso or Shevchenko, it was certainly not a 10-8 round.

The Future: Rematch or Move On?

Despite the controversial decision, both fighters put on an incredible performance. Grasso showed tremendous heart and resilience, while Shevchenko displayed her technical skills and dominance. The question now is whether there will be a rematch or if both fighters will move on to other opponents.

Grasso, when asked about a potential rematch, stated that she would need to speak with her coaches and manager before making a decision. Shevchenko also expressed interest in a rematch, acknowledging that it was Mexican Independence Day and the judges may have felt pressured to send the crowd home happy.

In my opinion, a rematch is necessary to settle the score. While Shevchenko should have been declared the winner based on the scorecards, the draw leaves unfinished business between the two fighters. It was a tremendous fight, and both fighters deserve another chance to prove themselves.

Conclusion

The UFC title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko ended in a controversial draw. While Shevchenko should have been declared the winner based on the scorecards, the judges’ decision to give a 10-8 round to Grasso in the fifth round has caused a lot of debate. The criteria for a 10-8 round were not met, as neither fighter dominated the round to that extent.

Regardless of the decision, both fighters put on an impressive performance. Grasso showed resilience and determination, while Shevchenko displayed her technical skills and control. The question now is whether there will be a rematch or if both fighters will move on to other opponents.

In my opinion, a rematch is necessary to settle the score. Both fighters deserve another chance to prove themselves and determine a clear winner. It was a tremendous fight, and the rematch would provide closure to the controversy surrounding the draw.

What are your thoughts on the fight? Do you believe a rematch is necessary? Let us know in the comments section.