Alexa Grasso retains UFC flyweight title in rare split draw

Sep 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexa Grasso (red gloves) fights Valentina Shevchenko (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

LAS VEGAS–Mexican fighter Alexa Grasso celebrated her nation’s independence day in unusual fashion, holding on to her UFC flyweight title after fighting to a seldom-seen split draw against former champion Valentina Shevchenko on Saturday.

Grasso, who beat Shevchenko by submission in March to win the title, topped the card at the T-Mobile Arena at the Noche UFC event, which had a strong Mexican flavor due to it taking place on Sept. 16, the day Mexicans celebrate their independence.

Both fighters had their moments over the five five-minute rounds but neither could force a stoppage, and the judges’ scorecards produced a surprise with one giving it to Grasso, another to Shevchenko and the third scoring it as a draw, meaning that Grasso held on to her belt.

WHAT. A. FIGHT.

Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko just delivered a classic at #NocheUFC 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4XWShPAIN5

— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023

Shevchenko said she thought she won the fight three rounds to two and that the Mexican celebration may have influenced the scoring.

“The judges, I think, felt a little bit of pressure because it’s Mexican Independence Day, that’s why they give one more (round) to the Mexican fighter,” the Kyrgistani former champ said in a post-fight interview.

“I fought to the end and I think I did enough. In a fair competition, the victory would be mine.”

Unsurprisingly, Grasso disagreed.

“I did a lot of damage … all of my punches were hard, and yes, I’m the winner. I think I did enough,” the 30-year-old from Guadalajara said.

The close nature of the fight has already led to calls from fans for a third match, but Grasso was non-committal when asked about that prospect.

“It depends,” she said. “I have to talk to my coaches and my manager. Let’s see what’s next.”