Valentina Shevchenko looked unbeatable at women’s flyweight before UFC 285 at the T-Mobile Arena. At UFC 285, Alexa Grasso secured an upset submission victory over the long-reigning champion. Grasso retained the belt with a controversial split draw in the rematch. Grasso now looks forward to settling it once and for all in the trilogy fight.
Rumors are that the UFC wanted to book Grasso vs. Shevchenko III on UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere. Other rumors speculated Shevchenko wanted a neutral location, citing the controversial decision in the rematch. However, she recently debunked the rumors, citing her willingness to fight anywhere anytime. Grasso also seems excited about the fight, evidenced by her interview with MMAJunkie.
I mean, I would love to be the fight with Valentina [Shevhcenko] because it will be the first trilogy for women in UFC history. We were both coaching TUF, and we have a lot of history. She has done so much for the sport.
Alexa Grasso via MMAJunkie
Grasso credited Shevchenko for her contributions to women’s MMA as a sports legend. She also considered herself a legend of Mexican MMA, especially in the women’s division. As such, Grasso stated the matchup with Shevchenko is a historical clash in women’s MMA.
The flyweight division has become exciting since Grasso’s title triumph. Rose Namajunas has moved up and had success. Manon Fiorot has already expressed her desire to weigh in as backup for Shevchenko vs. Grasso III.
Alexa Grasso speaks on Manon Fiorot
Manon Fiorot has not lost in professional MMA since her debut fight with Leah McCourt at Cage Warriors 94 via split decision in a catchweight matchup. Since the loss, Fiorot has competed exclusively at flyweight, sporting a 12-fight winning streak, 7 in the UFC.
Alexa-Grasso speaks on Manon Fiorot (via Imago)With superior strength, size, and range, Fiorot stamped her authority on her relatively smaller counterparts. In her recent fight, Fiorot handed Erin Blanchfield her first defeat in the UFC. Champion Alexa Grasso spoke about her in a recent interview.
If I have to fight her [Manon Fiorot], that would be awesome too. She’s big, she’s strong, and she has a lot of good striking. For me, it could be the perfect fight.
Alexa Grasso via MMAJunkie
HOT TAKE 🚨🚨
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Alexa Grasso outmatches Manon Fiorot, nobody right now can compete with Grasso💯 she will be the long term flyweight champ🤝 pic.twitter.com/eLVd3O61nI— reefr (@whosreefr) March 31, 2024
Manon Fiorot is potentially next for the winner of Shevchenko vs Grasso III. Rose Namajunas will fight Maycee Barber on UFC Denver. The winner of the matchup will likely be next after the Frenchwoman. The Flyweight division now looks like the most exciting women’s division in the UFC.
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