Pros react after Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso 2 ends in a split draw at Noche UFC

Tonight’s Noche UFC event was headlined by a women’s flyweight title fight rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.

Grasso (16-3-1 MMA) was looking to earn her first title defense when she took to the Octagon this evening. The 30-year-old had captured the promotion’s flyweight world title this past March at UFC 285, where she upset ‘The Bullet’ by way of fourth-round submission. That win had marked Alexa’s fifth in a row, as she’d previously defeated the likes of Kim Ji-yeon, Maycee Barber, Joanne Wood and Viviane Araujo.

Meanwhile, Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA) entered tonight’s headliner with redemption on her mind. Prior to being submitted by Alexa Grass earlier this year, ‘The Bullet’ had strung together a nine-fight win streak which included seven consecutive title defenses.

Tonight’s Noche UFC main event proved to be a thrilling back and forth contest. Valentina Shevchenko had a strong start to the fight, getting the better of Alexa Grasso throughout the opening five minutes. However, in round two, Grasso was able to drop ‘The Bullet’ with a beautiful counter punch and went on to easily win the second frame. Rounds 3, 4 and 5 were all close, but fans and analysts were seemingly divided on who they thought won after twenty-five minutes of action. In the end, the judges were torn as well, as the bout was ruled a split draw.

Official Noche UFC Results: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso ends in a split draw (48-47, 47-48, 47-47)

Check out how the pros reacted ‘Shevchenko vs. Grasso’ below:

Now this is one women’s fight I’ve been looking forward to. Both of these girls are top of the game #UFCNoche

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) September 17, 2023

10-9 Shevchenko #UFCNoche

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

1-1 going into the third! #UFCNoche

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

I’ve never seen a fight so vicious #NocheUFC

— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) September 17, 2023

1-1

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) September 17, 2023

2-1 Shevchenko going into the 4th! #UFCNoche

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

This is excellent MMA #UFCNoche 👏🏾 these ladies

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) September 17, 2023

Grassos eating a lot of jabs #UFCNoche what a fight

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) September 17, 2023

3-1 Shevchenko. Strong middle of the round for the champ, but felt like Shevchenko did more damage during the end of the round. #UFCNoche

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

ahhh i feel i have it 3-1 shev

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) September 17, 2023

I ain’t never seen anyone manhandle Valentina like that. What a match up #UFCNoche

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) September 17, 2023

Post-fight reactions to Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 resulting in a split draw at Noche UFC:

Great fight!

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

Shevchenko won the 5th. Dominated most the round. Messed up and got mounted but escaped pretty quick. I’d still say shevchenko won round 5. YouTube video incoming

— michael (@bisping) September 17, 2023

Tremendous fight by both ladies!!! They seemed to have leveled up in preparation for this rematch. #UFCNoche

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/ThugnastyMMA/status/1703270560141066342

An absolute corker of a fight! All timer in WMMA imo. And it ends in a draw! Wow wow, wow! Well done @AlexaGrasso and @BulletValentina! Incredible!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/justin_tafa/status/1703282577606631703

Who would you like to see Alexa Grasso fight next following tonight’s result in Las Vegas?