“The judges feel pressure…” Valentina Shevchenko claims Mexican Independence Day caused controversial split draw against Alexa Grasso
A dejected Valentina Shevchenko spoke from her heart after the controversial judging in the title rematch against Alexa Grasso.
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A dejected Valentina Shevchenko after split draw against Alexa Grasso (via Imago)
Both fights featuring Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso left the fans in shock. Alexa Grasso shocked the world by submitting Shevchenko in the first fight. However, the judging in the second fight became controversial for its unwarranted 10-8 round. The 10-8 round from Mike Bell turned the decision into a split draw. Shevchenko did not lose, but Alexa Grasso remains the flyweight champion.
Valentina Shevchenko believed she did everything to win the fight. She spoke bluntly during the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. Shevchenko said, “I think it was 3-2 in my side, but judges I think, felt little bit like pressure because it is like the Mexican Independence Day.” Shevchenko did not mince words and addressed Mexican Independence Day, which may have influenced the judging in the title fight.
The fight was close. It could have gone either way. However, the 10-8 round in the fifth round remains far-fetched. The UFC could book a trilogy fight between the two. The business remains unfinished at the moment. Shevchenko did better than in the first fight. However, Grasso proved why she was the # 1 Women’s P4P fighter.
Shevchenko is not as dominant as she used to be. She is 35, and most fighters fall off their prime at this age. It is important to note that she had been fighting since she was 5. The toll it can have on the body might affect Shevchenko moving forward. Shevchenko still looked like a championship-level fighter. However, no one in MMA knocked Shevchenko down in a fight until now. Hence, if a trilogy fight does happen, don’t be shocked if Grasso emerges as the winner.
Related: Valentina Shevchenko’s sister: Does Antonina Shevchenko fight in the UFC?
Valentina Shevchenko injured her thumb against Alexa Grasso
Shevchenko vs. Grasso 2 had some exciting moments. The two flyweights fought a competitive fight, but the result disappointed the fans. In the backstage interview with Megan Olivi, Valentina detailed a shocking injury that happened to her fight.
Shevchenko said, “Right now, I will take X-ray first and see how long it will (take to) heal.” Shevchenko said she wanted to fight to the best of her ability and would require the thumb to heal properly before announcing her next move. It is unlikely that Shevchenko will return by the end of the year. However, she could fight Grasso in a trilogy bout for her next fight.
The injury to the thumb could sideline Shevchenko for at least a couple of months. Erin Blanchfield has a credible case for the next title shot against Alexa Grasso. If Shevchenko requires a longer recovery, the UFC could book a title fight between Grasso and Blanchfield.
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Nidhin Shibu
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