Noche UFC 306: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko: Live round-by-round updates
A women's flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will serve as the co-main event of Noche UFC 306 later tonight (Sept. 14) at the Las Vegas Sphere.
The two women first met at UFC 285 last year. At the pay-per-view, Grasso (16-3-1) stunned the world, submitting the then-long-reigning flyweight queen in the fourth round via a face crank.
While many were quick to brush off the win as a fluke, the Mexican successfully retained her title by fighting 'Bullet' to a draw in their rematch.
Shevchenko (23-4-1) is often regarded as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists of all time. The 36-year-old has seven UFC title defenses under her and boasts wins against the likes of Jessica Andrade and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, among others. Before her loss to Grasso, she was on a nine-fight win streak.
In the lead-up to Noche UFC 306, the pair also coached 'The Ultimate Fighter' 32 opposite each other.
The UFC's official website has listed Grasso as a -112 favorite with 'Bullet' close behind at -108.
The main card of the event is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
Watch the final face-off between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko below:
Noche UFC 306: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Round 1
Grasso explodes with a flurry and closes the distance with her opponent. Valentina counters with a short right hook.
Grasso attempts to close distance again but is once again countered with a jab. 'Bullet' employs a level change and effortlessly puts her opponent down on the canvas.
Shevchenko now has full mount. Grasso is trying to get her feet inside a butterfly position to create space. Wow!!! Grasso has partially locked in an arm bar, and 'Bullet' is in trouble.
Shevchenko pulls her hand out of danger and regains top control. The champion threatens a guillotine choke and 'Bullet' gets out of it. The former champ connects with an elbow and then transitions to her opponent's back. She finishes the round threatening a rear-naked choke.
Our score: 10-9 Shevchenko
Round 2
Grasso tries to close the distance with a combination. However, she fails to connect with any of the punches. Shevchenko gets another takedown and now has top control.
'Bullet' tries to go to side control. Grasso uses the butterfly to partially get her opponent off her. Grasso now has partially secured an arm bar. Shevchenko quickly snaps her hand out of the position and gets back to side control. She spins but fails to secure her opponent's back.
As they get back to their feet, Shevchenko quickly forces her opponent to the canvas.
Grasso locks in an arm triangle, then transitions to a kimura. Wow!!! 'Bullet' survives once again.
Our score: 10-9 Shevchenko
Round 3
Grasso is attacking her opponent's lead leg. Shevchenko connects with a front kick to the body but gets stung with a straight left.
The former champion connects with a head kick. Grasso seems to be puzzled as to how to get in range with her opponent. A knee in a Thai clinch lands for 'Bullet'.
Shevchenko gets a beautifully timed takedown. She seems to be looking for an arm triangle. Shevchenko now has half a half-guard. She explodes and tries to get a full mount but her opponent uses a kick to dismount her from the position.
Shevchenko is heavy on her opponent. She quickly transitions to her opponent's back. The bell brings the round to a close before she can work on a submission.
Our score: 10-9 Shevchenko
Round 4
As we go into the championship rounds, Grasso is forcing the action. As Shevchenko attempts another takedown, Grasso locks in a guillotine choke. It seems deep and 'Bullet' is in trouble. The referee checks if 'Bullet' has gone unconscious, but Shevchenko quickly signals that she is okay.
'Bullet' eventually slips out and gets a partial mount. Shevchenko locks in an arm triangle after a flurry. She seems to be sitting a bit too high to put her opponent in any real danger.
'Bullet' is still on top of her opponent. She is trying to lock in a crucifix. Shevchenko almost gets it before the bell brings the round to a close.
Our score: 10-9 Shevchenko
Round 5
As the closing round unfolds, Grasso will need a finish to retain her title. The champion, however, seems a bit hesitant to initiate the action, in the wake of the takedown threat.
Grasso connects with a left hook and takes her opponent to the canvas. She gets full mount only for Shevchenko to spring back up and almost take her back. 'Bullet' sinks in an elbow to the head on the break.
Both women are now clinched up near the cage as Grasso desperately tries to get out of position. 'Bullet' drags her opponent to the canvas, but the champion makes her way to the feet.
Grasso initiates the action, and Shevchenko goes for a takedown. While the Mexican is successful in defending it, a determined Shevchenko outwrestles the champion down to the canvas. 'Bullet' takes her opponent's back and finishes the fight peppering her opponent with short punches. A dominant round for 'Bullet'.
Our score: 10-9 Shevchenko
Official decision: Valentina Shevchenko def. Alexa Grasso via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
'Bullet' once again captures the women's flyweight title.