UFC 285 always had the promise to be an insanely entertaining fight card. However, the card produced one of the biggest upsets in MMA history as Alexa Grasso beat Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event. From the very first few minutes, Grasso did not seem like she was ready to bow down to Valentina, who is one of the GOATs of female MMA.
From landing some well-timed shots to out-grappling the champ, Alexa was extremely potent in the Octagon. During the fight, commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier pointed out that Grasso’s southpaw stance was causing a lot of problems for Valentina. It took away one of her most potent weapons, which was her vicious kicks. The longer the bout went, the clearer it was that “The Bullet” was not at her best.
We're headed to Championship Rounds!!
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
How are you scoring our #UFC285 co-main? pic.twitter.com/YMTlisIGpn
Despite that, Valentina was having some success in the grappling department as she landed 4 out of 6 attempted takedowns. But, Alexa was out-striking her, as she landed 182 strikes as opposed to Valentina’s 167 strikes. It was not sitting right with Valentina, who thought of going for a spinning back fist. It was ultimately the reason for her loss as it resulted in Alexa taking her back!
ALEXA GRASSO HAS SUBMITTED VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO!!
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
WE HAVE A NEW FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION 👑🇲🇽 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/t4HMH5vXnw
There were moments in the fight when Grasso was close to securing a submission, but she could not. However, this time, Alex did not let Valentina escape as she ended the bout at the 4:34 minute mark of the 4th round. Alexa was emotional after the biggest win of her career and understandably so!
Valentina Shevchenko wants an immediate rematch following her loss to Alexa Grasso
Valentina Shevchenko was on a 9-fight win streak heading into the fight. She defeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 for the flyweight belt. Since then, she went on to defend her title an insane 8 times! Not only does the loss to Alexa end her win streak, but it also hands her a loss after almost 6 years. Her last loss was against Amanda Nunes in 2017. However, Shevchenko is not ready to walk away so soon!
#AndNEW Flyweight Champion of the world, @AlexaGrasso!! 👑
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
[ B2YB @65Movie ] pic.twitter.com/Nq3DPObRP9
She wanted an immediate rematch afterward and added, “Definitely, immediate rematch. Because I know I was winning the fight.” (h/t via @shaunalshatti)
Sometimes, the better fighter loses the fight. The same happened to Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 against Julianna Pena. However, Nunes then avenged her loss in the following fight at UFC 277. So there is every chance that Valentina Shevchenko replicates the same in an immediate rematch. However, will the UFC grant her the chance? It remains to be seen.
