This is the live blog for Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3, the co-main event women’s flyweight title fight trilogy this Saturday at UFC 306 Las Vegas.
Grasso was a huge underdog when they first met, but then she shocked the world by defeating Shevchenko to win the women’s flyweight title at UFC 285, ending one of the most dominant reigns in UFC history. Six months later, Grasso and Shevchenko faced off again in the original Noche UFC, where Grasso was able to defend her title after a highly controversial decision by the judges. Now, after a year off and a season as a trainer at The ultimate fighterThe two best flyweights in the world want to finally end their rivalry on Saturday evening
Check out the live blog from the UFC 306 co-main event below.
Before the fight:
Time for a trilogy. Let’s go. Get the division moving with what is sure to be another great flyweight fight.
The stage is ready for the first of the two title fights. Large columns and statues form the backdrop. A bit like the Colosseum.
Shevchenko enters the Octagon with her traditional walkout. Grasso follows her example and gets the crowd fired up.
Round 1:
Here we go. They patiently go to the middle. Shevchenko lands a nice left early. Grasso double-jabs her way in and follows up. In an exchange of blows, Grasso lands a quick right hook. Grasso keeps trying to find range with the jab. Shevchenko comes through with a strong jab. She looks as tight and sharp as ever.
Shevchenko chooses the right time for the takedown and accomplishes it with relative ease. Same story as the previous two fights. They are now working in the center of the octagon in the guard.
Grasso throws up a triangle easily and turns it into a hint of an armbar and back into a triangle. Grasso lets go. They are back in the guard and exchange blows at close range. Grasso tries to get up with a guillotine but fails.
30 seconds. Elbow strike by Shevchenko, another guillotine stand-up attempt by Shevchenko. They roll to Grasso, who takes her back before the round ends.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shevchenko.
Round 2:
The fighters stand in the middle. Grasso sloppily tries to punch her way out while Shevchenko runs away. “Bullet” lands another perfect takedown. Short omaplata attempt by Grasso. They work in the guard and exchange small strikes.
Shevchenko slowly works his way into the half-guard position. Grasso breaks out and goes back into the guard position to try another triangle choke. Grasso tries the armbar again, but a patient Shevchenko breaks out and gets into side control.
They roll and get to their feet. Another takedown from Shevchenko is blocked, but the force still knocks her to the ground. Back to guard. Grasso goes for the inverted triangle and it’s tight. She lets go and tries a kimura. Not good, an armbar threatens, but again nothing. Lots of attempts.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shevchenko.
Round 3:
The round starts for Grasso with a nice kick to the body. The next one she goes deep. They exchange jabs. Good double jab from Grasso. A sharp Shevchenko combination breaks Grasso’s guard, followed by a high kick.
Shevchenko knees in the clinch. Grasso lands a left hook. Nice right hook for Shevchenko before she lands another successful takedown. They go back to guard. Shevchenko works her way into half guard. Shevchenko moves briefly to mount before Grasso goes back into full guard. They switch to half guard and then Grasso is taken from behind again, horn sounds. Clean work from the former champion.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shevchenko.
Round 4:
The champion comes back quickly with a double jab. She needs a finish or a few 10-8s now.
A single leg kick from Shevchenko puts her in a guillotine. Grasso tries to adjust and press harder, but Shevchenko seems undeterred. Grasso rolls her over briefly before laying her back on her back. The grip loosens. Shevchenko sticks her head out in full guard as Grasso attacks the body triangle from below.
Shevchenko goes to half guard and holds a loose arm triangle position. Shevchenko jumps into mount position with the arm triangle and tightens it more effectively. Grasso escapes. Back to half guard. With 30 seconds left, Shevchenko finishes the round in side control and then with the crucifix. Punches land before the horn sounds. Champ needs that finish.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shevchenko.
Round 5:
Official decision:
After the fight:
