Alexa Grasso is claiming a judges scoring error resulted in her rematch with Valentina Shevchenko being ruled a split draw.
It was Alexa Grasso (16-3 MMA) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (23-4 MMA) in a flyweight bout back in March of 2023 at UFC 285. The result was a submission victory for Grasso at 4:34 of round 4, crowning her the UFC flyweight champion.
The two would meet again at Noche UFC in September of the same year, but the result would be a split draw.
All three judges scored the first three frames 29-28 in favor of the challenger. Round four was in agreement a 10-9 for Shevchenko by Michael Bell and Sal D’Amato while Junichiro Kamijo went in the other direction. Round five, however, was unanimously Grasso’s round, but Bell went 10-8 rather than 10-9.
Grasso, speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of ‘CBS Sports’, shared it was a scoring error that resulted in the match being declared a split draw:
“I’m honestly disappointed that one judge made a huge mistake because after the fight he spoke to the UFC that he had a confusion. It’s super sad for things like that (to happen). Our fight, and our big, big war had to be with this thing on. So, third fight, I’m committed to give everything to finish and to not leave it to the judges.”
Continuing, Alexa Grasso said (h/t MMAMania):
“It was because of the knees (in round four). They have to – I don’t know if you’ve seen the replay of the fight, but there’s a guy behind us that they put like a light to start popping. So, between the fourth and fifth round, they had to replay and watch to see about the knees, but it was after they gave the cards to the (scorekeepers).”
Concluding the 30-year-old shared:
“They didn’t know if those (knees) were legal. That was a mistake. It was after the replay he saw those were legal and he wanted to dismiss them. It’s sad. Things happen, but it is what it is. Don’t leave it to the judges.”
It was recently announced by UFC CEO Dana White that Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will be opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 32 which premiers on Tuesday, June 4th of this year.
Following their stint on TUF 32, the two will meet once again in a trilogy clash for the flyweight belt, with a date and location yet to be determined.
Are you looking forward to seeing Grasso vs. Shevchenko III?
Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!
