Alexa Grasso had one of the better performances of her career at UFC 258, displaying some grappling prowess and excellent striking against Maycee Barber.
The co-main event of UFC 258 saw a battle of up-and-comers in the women’s flyweight division throw down. That featured the return of Maycee Barber, after over a year away healing up from an ACL injury, against Alexa Grasso. Grasso was in her second outing as a flyweight, after moving up from 115lbs. Barber, meanwhile, had to bounce back from both the ACL injury, and her first loss as a pro.
Grasso started the fight with a pair of leg kicks as Barber was bouncing around the Octagon. A clinch battle ensued and Grasso had the better positioning. Eventually she pushed away and got back to work, landing a beautiful one-two combination. Barber charged in and clinched up with Grasso again, who promptly spun her against the cage. Positioning against the cage went back and forth until they broke away from each other, with Barber landing an elbow on the exit and Grasso connecting with a two-punch combination. Barber initiated a wild exchange, landing a stiff right hand that was answered by a quick Grasso combination. The round ended with Grasso pushing her opponent against the cage.
Oh! They're exchanging heavy to close round one 👀 #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/ITULoRcdzL
— UFC (@ufc) February 14, 2021
After both women were striking outside of each other’s ranges, Grasso landed a long two-punch combination. A beautiful left hook landed for Grasso that wobbled Barber, who rushed in to get a hold of Grasso. Barber landed an elbow on the exit and Grasso hit another combination. Another clinch was initiated by Barber after she was hit by a shot. Barber tripped up Grasso after a kick and got a takedown. On the ground, Grasso used an armbar sweep and had side control then the back of Barber, an excellent turn of momentum at the end of the round.
GRASSO ROCKED HER 😱 #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/yIW1yTnRDs
— UFC (@ufc) February 14, 2021
Barber had a lot of movement in the early goings of the third round, then Grasso clinched and controlled Barber for an extended period of time. Eventually, Barber was able to turn it into a trip takedown, landing two heavy strikes on the ground. They returned to the feet and Barber let it fly, but Grasso weathered the storm and got back to the clinch. Grasso seemed to have a strength advantage against the cage and was able to pin Barber against the cage to limit her assault and close out the fight successfully.
Barber has TURNED IT UP in RD 3 🍿 #UFC258 pic.twitter.com/OabArouFpL
— UFC (@ufc) February 14, 2021
Official Result: Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
