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Valentina Schevchenko lost to Alexa Grasso in UFC 285 and the Mexican is the new flyweight champion. In a five-round fight, the Kirgistani fighter and also Peruvian representative lost to the Mexican in a tough battle, where 'Bullet' was always the favorite from the start to retain her belt but made a costly mistake in the fight.
The first round started with Alexa Grasso much better in the fight, landing more punches in a fight that took place mostly standing up during the first 5 minutes, while Valentina showed good endurance to not succumb to her opponent. In the second round, Valentina completely dominated the Mexican, taking the fight to the ground and pound and outperforming her in that aspect.
For the third round, both fighters had their moment, but once again it was Valentina who managed to take the fight to the ground. Going into the fourth round was something new for Alexa Grasso's career, as she had always finished her opponents.
The fourth round would be decisive. Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko kept the fight standing and it was a gross error by 'Bullet' that led to her defeat, as she attempted a spinning kick, the Mexican took her back and submitted her with a rear-naked choke. This way, Grasso is the first Mexican champion in the UFC.
Valentina Schevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso: schedules
- Fight Pass Preliminaries: 17:15 (Mexico), 18:15 (Peru) and 20:15 (Argentina).
- Preliminaries: 19:00 (Mexico), 20:00 (Peru) and 22:00 (Argentina).
- Main Card: 21:00 (Mexico), 22:00 (Peru) and 0:00 (Argentina).
- Jones vs. Gane: 23:15 (Mexico), 00:15 (Peru) and 2:15 (Argentina).
Valentina Schevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso: channels
- Argentina: FOX Sports and UFC Fight Pass.
- Peru: STAR Plus and UFC Fight Pass.
- Spain: Eurosport, STAR Plus and UFC Fight Pass.
- Rest of Latin America: STAR Plus and UFC Fight Pass.
Prior to the match, Alexa Grasso stated that she will seek the title at all costs. "Making history is never easy. I have worked everything, absolutely everything it takes to get the victory," she said.
The fight card will also feature an Argentine representative, with the debut of the undefeated Esteban Ribovics, and the Brazilian, with the match between Viviane Araujo and Amanda Ribas. Additionally, the fight between Tabatha Ricci vs. Jessica Penne will take place.
However, the most anticipated fight of the night will be between Jon Jones, who will return to the cage to face the Frenchman Ciryl Gane. After over 3 years away from the premier mixed martial arts company, Jones is back to try and maintain his undefeated record in the UFC and will have a tough opponent in front of him in Gane, who comes with a record of 11-1, with his only loss against former champion Francis Ngannou.
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