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Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko left fans on the edge of their seats in their highly anticipated flyweight championship rematch. The main event, a grueling and closely contested affair, ended in a split draw, casting a shadow of controversy over Grasso's championship victory.
For 25 intense minutes, Grasso and Shevchenko engaged in a back-and-forth battle that had the audience enthralled. The climactic moment arrived in the fifth round when Grasso managed to secure a late rear-naked choke, a submission that Shevchenko valiantly defended until the final horn sounded. As the scorecards were unveiled, the tension in the arena reached its peak. Judge Sal D’Amato scored the fight 48-47 in favor of Shevchenko, while judge Junichiro Kamijo saw it 48-47 for Grasso.
The decisive vote came from the third official, Mike Bell, who scored the contest 47-47, resulting in the unexpected split draw. Controversy erupted when it was revealed that Bell had awarded a 10-8 score for the fifth round to Grasso, leading to the 47-47 scorecard. Shevchenko, typically composed and stoic, was visibly upset by the outcome, passionately declaring that she deserved to be celebrating her second UFC championship reign.
“I believe it was a 3-2 decision in my favor," Shevchenko asserted. "But I feel that the judges may have succumbed to the pressure, given it's Mexican Independence Day. Perhaps that's why they leaned towards the Mexican fighter. I fought relentlessly, and I genuinely believe I did enough to secure the victory. In a fair competition, the victory would undoubtedly be mine."
Grasso echoed similar sentiments about the fight, with both fighters seemingly perplexed by the outcome of a bout that had showcased their incredible skills over five grueling rounds. Now, the question looms as to whether the UFC will schedule a third encounter between these two warriors, especially considering the unforgettable spectacle they delivered on that Saturday night.
However, Grasso remained cautious about committing to a trilogy just yet, understandably so after engaging in an exhausting five-round war. The aftermath of Noche UFC has left fight fans with much to ponder, as the controversy surrounding the split draw adds a layer of uncertainty to an already thrilling rivalry. Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain: Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko have etched their names into the annals of UFC history with their epic showdown.
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