LAS VEGAS — Alexa Grasso’s reign as UFC women’s flyweight champion came to an end on Saturday, as Valentina Shevchenko emerged victorious in their highly anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 306.
The fight, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, saw Shevchenko reclaim the title with a decisive unanimous decision win, marking the conclusion of the first-ever women’s trilogy in UFC history.
Grasso’s reign, which lasted 18 months, ended in a clear defeat. Despite her best efforts and several near-submissions, Shevchenko’s superior wrestling and ground control proved too much for the Mexican fighter. Throughout the five-round bout, Shevchenko consistently took Grasso down, controlling her from the top position and scoring heavily with effective grappling.
In her first statement following the fight, Grasso expressed gratitude for the support of her fans and vowed to come back stronger. “I want to thank everyone for your support,” Grasso posted on Instagram. “It wasn’t the night I wanted. I’ll get back to training, and I promise the next fight will be much better. Love you all.” Her words reflect her commitment to improving and addressing the issues that led to her defeat.
The bout marked Shevchenko’s return to the top of the flyweight division after a turbulent few fights. Shevchenko, who now holds a record of 24-4-1, executed a well-planned strategy, focusing on grappling and control to neutralize Grasso’s striking prowess. Shevchenko’s ability to dominate the ground game and avoid significant damage on the feet played a crucial role in her victory.
The trilogy fight was a historic event for the UFC, showcasing the high level of competition in the women’s flyweight division. Grasso had previously defeated Shevchenko via a stunning submission in their first meeting in March 2023. Their second fight, a split draw, left fans eagerly awaiting the conclusion of their rivalry. However, in this third encounter, Shevchenko’s refined tactics and dominant performance left no doubt about the outcome.
With this victory, Shevchenko has reestablished herself as a dominant force in the flyweight division. Following the fight, she expressed her satisfaction with the performance. “It’s a dream come true fighting in the Sphere,” Shevchenko said. “Everything about this fight was more satisfying than the last one.” Her win reaffirms her status as one of the sport’s greatest fighters and sets the stage for her next challenge.
As for Grasso, the road to another title shot will be challenging. Manon Fiorot, who served as the backup fighter for UFC 306, is a potential contender for Shevchenko’s title. Grasso will need to overcome another top contender to secure another opportunity at the belt. Possible matchups could include high-profile fights against contenders like Erin Blanchfield or Rose Namajunas, which could pave the way for a future title bout.
Grasso’s rise from Invicta FC to UFC stardom has been marked by impressive victories and a strong fan following. Her tenure as champion was highlighted by notable wins and a significant impact on the flyweight division. Despite this recent setback, Grasso’s determination and skill suggest she remains a formidable competitor in the sport.
The flyweight division’s future remains dynamic, with Shevchenko likely to face new challenges while Grasso seeks redemption. The possibility of a fourth fight between these two elite fighters adds an intriguing element to the division’s landscape. As Alexa Grasso prepares for her next challenge, her supporters eagerly await her return to the Octagon with renewed focus and determination.
