Were it not for a decision to fight and stay busy rather than sit and wait for a title shot, Joanne Wood would have already had a shot at gold in the UFC.
In hindsight, that decision — which led to Jennifer Maia facing champ Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship instead — was easy to critique. More so, given Wood entered UFC Columbus on a two-fight skid and well away from the title picture.
Alexa Grasso, on the other hand, had found a new lease on her fighting life at 125lbs. A win over Wood would mark three straight, and almost certainly land her in the title conversation.
“JoJo” opened the action with a kick, and immediately pressed forward. In the clinch, Grasso would greet her with elbows/forearms. When they went to the ground, it was Grasso on top, in guard. Wood did manage to make it back up, with about half the round remaining. She went on the offensive again, pressing forward and using her Muay Thai.
It was Grasso, however, that got back in the driver’s seat shortly after. She pulled Wood down, getting her hooks in and locking in the rear-naked choke. It was deep under the chin, and Wood had no choice but to tap!
With her third straight win at flyweight, Alexa Grasso will likely enter the title conversation alongside Manon Fiorot, who also picked up a big win earlier in the night.
Official Result: Alexa Grasso def. Joanne Wood by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:57
