Las Vegas, NV – UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso believes she did enough to win the fight outright, but wasn’t mad about a draw in her main event title defense against former champion Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC on Saturday night.
“I’m happy with my performance you know. For me it was 3-2, the second, fourth and fifth were for me,” Grasso told reporters including Cageside Press at her post-fight scrum.
“But I’m not the judge.”
Going into the fifth round Grasso’s team was more focused on making a statement and solidifying a victory. Grasso took it to Shevchenko finishing the fight in a dominant position and almost finishing the fight.
“My coaches said hey let’s do this. This fifth round we’re going to make a statement and that’s what I did,” she said.
“I was pretty close (to finishing it). I did an amazing knockdown. I was close in a few positions to finish the fight and ground and pound. I think I did a good, good fight.”
While her opponent was frustrated by the scoring from the judges Grasso wasn’t focused on that.
“Not frustrated. I did an amazing job and that’s what I’m taking (from) it,” she said.
This fight may be over, but the result almost certainly guarantees that UFC brass will consider a trilogy fight between the two warriors next. Grasso won’t be against that, but knows there are other worthy contenders waiting for a shot.
“It’s an interesting question. I don’t like to stop the division. There’s a lot of girls fighting a lot to have this opportunity like I did so I wouldn’t like to stop it,” she said.
“But whatever the UFC says, I’m in.”
The entire week was a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, but also of the first female Mexican UFC champion. Being in the spotlight all week was new, but welcomed by Grasso. Noche UFC ended up being a great success, and the possibility of making it an annual event was very appealing to the champion.
“It’s amazing. My first main, main event. Noche UFC. Amazing date and I love all the challenges that UFC are giving to me, and I just trained so hard (to) give good results,” said Grasso.
“I hope! I hope this can happen every year!”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Alexa Grasso above.
