Valentina Shevchenko was gracious in defeat to Alexa Grasso, but she wants the chance to right her wrong at UFC 285.
Moments After tapping out to Grasso on Saturday’s headliner she blamed a stupid situation and asked for an immediate rematch.
” Definitely an immediate match, as I knew I won the fight,” Shevchenko said to Joe Rogan in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena.
Shevchenko was as high as a -1200 favorite to defend the UFC flyweight title for an eighth straight time against Grasso. Despite Grasso landing several hard punches in the beginning, Shevchenko looked well poised to win the fight. The long-time champion used her wrestling skills to stop the opponent’s offensive. All three judges scored Rounds 2 and 3 for the champ.
Then, in an instant, things went awry for Shevchenko. A whiffed spinning back-kick in the fourth round allowed Grasso to take her back and quickly sink in a rear-naked choke. It was so strong that it made an impression in the champ’s jaw, where blood had run out of her face.
” This is a lot like mixed martial arts,” Shevchenko said afterward. You’re clearly winning this fight, without a doubt. A stupid situation could change everything. It is the most important part of the game. Congratulations to Alexa, and I know that I’m stronger and if not this spinning kick [it] would be a different result.”
Grasso indicated that she was open to a rematch immediately afterward. Shevchenko needs to look at the fight with a little silver lining. Prior to UFC 285, Erin Blanchfield was looked at as her next possible challenger.
The night snapped a nine-fight winning streak for Shevchenko, whose last loss came in 2017 at the hands of two-division champ Amanda Nunes in a bantamweight bout.
“Yes. Everyone trains hard, and you put in whatever effort you can to win in any situation,” Shevchenko stated. This is exactly what happened. However, [there is some] movement was made in the flyweight division. [my loss] creation may be possible. Like, other girls will be healthier before I return and claim my title .”
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Shevchenko also addressed the loss in an Instagram post Monday.
“Martial arts is my life and I will be back for immediate rematch stronger than ever,” Shevchenko wrote. “Fight does not forget any error. Especially it feels frustrating when you was dominating all the fight. There are no excuses. Only hard work. Ready to start all over.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/6/23625887/valentina-shevchenko-wants-immediate-rematch-with-alexa-grasso-after-stupid-situation-cost-her-belt?rand=96749
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