The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be all anyone can talk about this Saturday as it prepares to host a highly anticipated rematch. Don’t miss it. The last time these two fighters squared off, it ended in a shocking upset that left fans in awe, and this Saturday, they’re ready to do it all over again. Back in March at UFC 285, Alexa Grasso made sure to etch her name in history by taking the belt from the once unbeatable Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko. What unfolded in the octagon was nothing short of spectacular, a true testament to the unpredictability of mixed martial arts.
History in the Making
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first bout reached its climax in the fourth round when Grasso executed a stunning submission, a rear-naked choke, on Valentina Shevchenko. It was a moment that will be remembered in UFC history. Grasso’s resilience and determination allowed her to capitalize on a badly timed spinning back kick from Shevchenko, turning it into a fatal mistake that changed the course of the fight.
The early rounds witnessed Shevchenko’s meticulous game plan, showcasing her striking prowess as her patience allowed her to land countless counterstrikes. Shevchenko also demonstrated her ground game expertise, taking Alexa to the mat with relative ease. It seemed like a typical Shevchenko fight, timing her opponent’s movements and capitalizing on mistakes.
Round Three
However, as the match progressed into round three, it was Grasso who began to read Shevchenko’s movements. Takedown attempts were thwarted, forcing the fight to stay on its feet. Shevchenko still had the upper hand in the striking encounters, however, Grasso’s exceptional boxing skills came to the forefront, and Valentina had a tough time putting her away. Their exchanges showed Grasso’s resilience in the face of Shevchenko’s strikes, and Alexa started to dominate the ground game.
Huge Mistake
Embed from Getty ImagesThe fourth round began similarly, with Shevchenko looking for an opening. Frustration seemed to set in for the champion, leading to a pivotal moment in the match. She attempted a very sloppy spinning back kick that missed. Grasso used the advantage to pounce. Seizing the opportunity, Alexa took Valentina’s back, locking in a chokehold under the champion’s neck with less than a minute to go in the round. Valentina had no choice but to tap out, and just like that, the flyweight crown changed hands.
Pound For Pound
Redemption and glory hang in the balance once more this weekend. Shevchenko is not playing around anymore. She has come out and said she is going in there Saturday night and taking back what is hers. Grasso will have her moments throughout the fight, but a motivated Shevchenko will set the tone of the fight early. Expect Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko to become champion and Women’s Pound for Pound #1 once again after Saturday night, winning by Unanimous Decision.
Thank you for reading my UFC article. Head to my Belly Up Sports Page. Follow me on Twitter. For more articles on the UFC and all other sports go to Belly Up Sports. Featured image by Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images.