UFC 285: Costly Error Dooms Shevchenko As Grasso Claims Flyweight Title via Submission

• Alexa Grasso delivered a massive upset at UFC 285, beating Valentina Shevchenko in their title clash
• Grasso won via submission in the fourth round to become the new UFC women’s flyweight champion
• She applied a rear-naked choke on Shevchenko after the latter whiffed on a spinning back-kick

Now that was a shock.

Valentina Shevchenko’s long reign as UFC women’s flyweight champion ended on Saturday night after a stunning loss to Alexa Grasso.

A spinning back-kick in the fourth round proved a costly mistake for Shevchenko, allowing Grasso to win via submission.

The Mexican fighter pounced on Shevchenko’s error, immediately jumping on the champion’s back and securing a rear-naked choke to record the upset win, per Yahoo! Sports.

Five greatest UFC fights of MMA star Valentina Shevchenko

UFC

The 29-year-old was a significant underdog entering the championship fight but persevered through Shevchenko’s numerous takedown attempts. She now joins Brandon Moreno as the Mexican champions in the UFC.

Round 1 goes to Grasso

Grasso started strongly in this fight, connecting with some leg kicks and combinations to slightly wobble the champ.

Grasso nearly scored a takedown in the first round, using that position to hammer Shevchenko with shots, resulting in a cut on the bridge of her nose.

Shevchenko utilizes takedown strategy

Tasting Grasso’s power in that opening round forced Shevchenko to try a different style. She secured a takedown early in Round 2, with the champion showing great top control and later side control.

Grasso managed to get back to her feet, but Shevchenko was relentless, forcing another takedown late in the round.

Shevchenko continued employing that strategy in Round 3, timing an excellent double-leg takedown on Grasso halfway through the third frame before settling into full guard.

Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso: Bullet looks to defend Flyweight belt against dangerous Mexican fighter

UFC

Grasso thought she got a reprieve when referee Jason Herzog stood up the fighters, but Shevchenko managed to regain control by securing another takedown.

Grasso stuns with submission move

Momentum was with Shevchenko, and many believed the advantage was with her heading into the championship rounds. Surprisingly, Grasso was the one who kept a cool head in Round 4, taking advantage of Shevchenko’s fancy move that backfired tremendously on her.

With the win, Grasso ended Shevchenko's nine-fight winning streak and her eight-fight championship winning streak.

Shevchenko's greatest fights

Sports Brief recently reported on the greatest fights of Valentina Shevchenko.

She had epic battles against Amanda Nunes, with Shevchenko losing twice to the UFC bantamweight champion.

Shevchenko started her long reign as flyweight champion with a bang, defeating Joanna Jedrzejczyk in their title fight at UFC 231.