Alexa Grasso faced overwhelming odds in her first encounter with Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285, emerging a champion from being a massive underdog. Regardless, she stunned the world by dominating a submission out of Shevchenko in the fourth round, clinching the UFC women’s flyweight title.

Their rematch during Noche UFC was a nail-biting affair with both Grasso and Shevchenko delivering impressive performances. The fight ultimately concluded in a draw, and Grasso retained her title as UFC champions cannot lose their championship in the event of a draw. Both fighters sustained severe injuries during the contest, and Shevchenko disclosed a hand injury following the fight. Now, Grasso has shared an update that underscores the incredible fortitude of UFC fighters!

Alexa Grasso reveals her incredible toughness and mental strength

During the intense match, both Grasso and Shevchenko endured significant damage. After Shevchenko’s revelation of a broken thumb injury, Grasso took to Instagram to share her experience and the subsequent surgery. This clearly highlights the brutal nature of their clash.

Grasso remarked, “In the fight, I fractured my hand; we are used to not letting the pain stop us in anything and although it hurt, I didn’t think it was serious until I wanted to go back to training and I realized my hand was still very bad. The surgery was a success, thank you very much Doctor Arroyo and Doctor Zarate, you are angels! I fully trust my health in your hands.”

The fighter also expressed confidence in her readiness for a potential trilogy with Shevchenko. Grasso’s victory at UFC 285 was an upset, but their second encounter was marred by a contentious scorecard. Particularly Judge Mike Bell’s decision to award Grasso a 10-8 score in the fifth round. Which appeared inconsistent with the scoring criteria and the fight’s overall performance.

The scorecard played a pivotal role in shifting what could have been a split decision victory for Shevchenko, enabling her to reclaim the women’s flyweight title, into just the sixth championship-fight draw in modern UFC history. The controversial aspect emerged when it was revealed that Judge Bell’s inexplicable 10-8 score for Grasso in the final round determined the outcome, sparking widespread outrage.

The controversial decision that had the MMA world talking

UFC CEO Dana White expressed his strong disapproval of the judge’s decision, stating, “When I found out that one of the judges scored 10-8, I’m like, this guy should be investigated for this. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” White’s sentiment resonated with many in the fighting community, who also criticized Bell’s scoring.

White continued to passionately voice his objection, emphasizing that judges, being human, are prone to mistakes. However, he stressed that this particular decision was in a league of its own, asserting, “These people are human, they make mistakes, but this one’s total BS.”

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As of now, an exact timeline for Grasso’s recovery remains uncertain. But it is expected that she will stick to the sidelines for a few months. While other contenders like Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot eagerly await their shot at the title, the timing of Grasso and Shevchenko’s injuries could align perfectly for a third title showdown. UFC CEO Dana White has even expressed interest in arranging a trilogy fight between the two fierce competitors.

Who do you think has the advantage going into the trilogy, Alexa Grasso or Valentina Shevchenko? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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