The new Women's Flyweight Champion of the UFC, Alexa Grasso made history last night when she defeated the long-reigning Valentina Shevchenko. Not only did Grasso, become the third Mexican-born champion in UFC history, but she is the first Mexican-born woman to become a UFC champion. Brandon Moreno, the Men's Flyweight Champion was the first. Yair Rodriguez won the Interim Featherweight Title last month becoming the second. This new wave of Mexican fighters in the UFC has been incredible to watch. Three champions in three months. Will Raul Rosas Jr. be next?
Last night Alexa defeated the Bullet ending her long reign as champion. Shevchenko never lost in the Flyweight division before last night. She was on a nine-fight win streak going for her eighth title defense. Alexa wouldn't have that, she snapped Bullet's win streak and took her title. In Shevshenko's last bout against Talia Santos, she was in trouble. Yet, for the first rounds against Grasso, she looked back to full form. At the end of the fourth round, Valentina had a misstep while throwing a spinning back fist. Alexa quickly took advantage, jumped on Shevchenko's back, and choked her out. You were able to see as soon as Alexa released Valentina from the hold, how tight the choke really was. As Rogan said last night, it looked like Shevchenko had a tan line from Grasso's rear-naked choke. Credit to Valentina for fighting the submission as long as she did because you could tell how angry she was when she tapped. She almost hit her leg in frustration that she couldn't escape rather than a typical quick "get me out of here" tap. Shevchenko wants an immediate rematch and after her reign of dominance over the division, she deserves one.
As for Alexa Grasso, she had a phenomenal bout last night. We knew she had the gas tank, we knew she had the hands, and we knew she was fully capable of performing a submission, but we didn't know she could go toe to toe with the Women's Flyweight GOAT and win. She calculated taking Shevchenko's back so quickly and executed the rear-naked choke to perfection. Grasso was extremely doubted going into this fight with the UFC's odds being Shevchenko (-730) vs Grasso (+530). If you bet Grasso last night, you won big! I can't wait to witness Grasso vs Shevchenko 2!
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