Valentina Shevchenko is no longer the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) flyweight champion.
UFC 285 provided many memorable moments this past weekend (March 4, 2023). In the co-main event, Alexa Grasso entered her first career title fight as a significant underdog and exited as the new titleholder.
Mexico’s first UFC champion Grasso scored a stunning fourth-round crank submission (watch highlights) against Shevchenko. The loss was “The Bullet”’s first in the 125-pound division, ending a nine-fight winning streak dating back to his rematch with Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title in September 2017.
” Thank you all for your support ! » Shevchenko tweeted. “I really thank you all! [heart emoji]. For good and for bad thank you for being with me [fist emoji]. Hard times have built strong people [fist emoji]. Martial Arts is my LIFE and I’ll be back for an immediate rematch stronger than ever [fist emoji].
“Combat forgets no mistakes!” she added. “It’s especially frustrating dominating the whole fight. No excuses, just hard work! Ready to start all over again [fist emoji]. I love you all [heart emoji].”
Shevchenko (23-4) successfully defended his title seven straight times before succumbing to Grasso. Typically in these situations, the longtime defending champions receive instant rematches from the promotion and both fighters have already expressed an interest in making it a reality.
The win continued Grasso’s perfect stretch at Flyweight after starting her career at 115lbs in 2012. Known for her sharp and technical boxing abilities, Grasso’s submission of Shevchenko was only the second of her 19 career fights (record of 16-3). The new champion will be looking to extend her winning streak to six in her first title defense whenever it happens.
For full UFC 285 results and highlights, click HERE.
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