In this article, we will be recapping the Noche UFC event that took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main focus of the event was the flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, which ended in a split draw. We will discuss the fight, the scorecards, and what could be next for both fighters.

The Fight: Grasso vs. Shevchenko

The fight between Grasso and Shevchenko was highly anticipated, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the flyweight division. The fight was back and forth, with each fighter having their moments of dominance.

Carlos Legaspi, one of the commentators, believed that Grasso had won three out of the five rounds. He mentioned that the third round was particularly close, with Shevchenko having a lot of control time. However, Legaspi ultimately felt that Grasso had done enough to win the fight.

On the other hand , Gilbert Melendez, another commentator, had a different perspective. He scored the fight 3-2 in favor of Grasso. Melendez noted that Shevchenko had a strong start in the first round and had control in the third round as well. However, he felt that Grasso’s performance in the second round, where she had a big drop, and in the fifth round, where she took Shevchenko’s back and ground and pounded her, gave her the edge.

The Split Draw Decision

The fight ultimately ended in a split draw, which was not the outcome that many had expected or wanted. The commentators expressed their disappointment with the decision, as they felt that there should have been a clear winner. They also mentioned that the fight had high stakes, considering Shevchenko’s place in female MMA history and the significance of the fight being on Mexico night.

What’s Next for Grasso and Shevchenko?

The commentators discussed what could be next for both fighters. Carlos Legaspi suggested that Grasso should face Manon Fior or Erin Blanchfield, both of whom have been performing well and are close to a title shot. He believed that Grasso should have a different challenge before potentially facing Shevchenko for the third time.

On the other hand, Gilbert Melendez felt that the fight should be run back. He compared it to other fights that have had multiple rematches, such as Canelo vs. Triple G and Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. Melendez believed that there was huge momentum and excitement around the fight, and he wanted to see it again.

The Future of Mexican MMA

The commentators also discussed the state of Mexican MMA and the rise of Mexican fighters in the sport. They acknowledged that there has been a surge of Mexican talent in recent years, with fighters like Yair Rodriguez and Brandon Moreno making waves. However, they also noted that there is still a gap in the rankings beyond the top fighters. Carlos Legaspi mentioned that there are currently no Mexican-born fighters ranked in the top 15, but he highlighted the potential of up-and-coming fighters like Daniel Hoover, Fernando Padilla, and Lupi Godinez.

Gilbert Melendez expressed his belief that Mexican fighters are here to stay and that it was just a matter of time before they had the resources and opportunities to showcase their skills. He mentioned the increase in resources and black belts in Mexico, which has allowed fighters to develop their striking and overall game. Melendez was optimistic about the future of Mexican MMA and hoped to see more Mexican stars in the UFC.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko ended in a split draw, much to the disappointment of many. The commentators had differing opinions on the outcome, with Carlos Legaspi favoring Grasso and Gilbert Melendez wanting to see a rematch. They also discussed the state of Mexican MMA and the rise of Mexican fighters in the sport. While there is still a gap in the rankings, both commentators expressed optimism about the future of Mexican MMA and the potential for more Mexican stars to emerge in the UFC.

Stay tuned for more updates on the world of MMA and the upcoming UFC 294 event in October.