Alexa Grasso understands the feeling of being a title hopeful and on the outside looking in. Although her rematch with Valentina Shevchenko did not bring any closure to their rivalry, Grasso didn’t seem particularly thrilled about the idea of jumping right back into a trilogy with “Bullet” in her next Octagon appearance.
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Grasso’s Thoughts on a Trilogy
During the UFC Fight Night 227 post-fight press conference, Grasso commented, “It’s an interesting question. I don’t like to stop the division. There’s a lot of girls fighting to have this opportunity like I did, so I don’t like to stop it.” Grasso indicated that if the promotion wants her to run it back with Shevchenko immediately, she won’t offer serious resistance. However, there are other worthy contenders at flyweight, with both Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot putting together impressive runs in the division. Grasso said, “It all depends on the UFC. If they want a trilogy, let’s do this. If not, I would like to give an opportunity for another girl. I know how it is to be fighting all the time, to wait for your spot, and I wouldn’t like to stop this division. But whatever the UFC says.”
Grasso’s Performance and Strategy
In the Noche UFC headliner at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night, were it not for Mike Bell awarding Grasso a 10-8 fifth round on his scorecard, Shevchenko would have reclaimed the flyweight belt via split decision. Despite the decision, Grasso believes her efforts were worthy of a victory and said, “I’m happy with my performance. For me it was 3-2 — the second, fourth, and fifth were for me — but I’m not the judge.” Grasso also noticed that after she floored Shevchenko with a right hand in Round 2, her rival began to rely more on wrestling and control. She stated, “I was expecting that. I know I always do damage with my hands, and it’s something I was expecting from her, so I was prepared. When you have a good punch, of course you have to change your strategy, and I knew that she changed.”
Grasso’s fourth-round submission victory against Shevchenko at UFC 285 will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in promotion history. However, her continued growth was even more evident in Saturday’s rematch, as she held her own against a determined opponent looking to avenge that defeat. Grasso concluded, “The plan was the finish the fight, but I showed my power. I’ve been showing, every single fight, my evolution, everything I’ve been working, and I’m just happy with everything I did in that fight.”