This is a close fight that results in a draw. Valentina Shevchenko suggests she would’ve won if not for the judges feeling pressured not to make Alexa Grasso lose her Championship title on Mexican Independence Day. A “10-8” Round 5 score for Grasso, which even the commentators imply is ridiculous, suggests she’s probably right.

Grasso wins in cuteness, even when bloody and bruised, but not much else as Shevchenko is generally the better fighter. It’s no blowout though by any means. Grasso fights like a champion, ending the bout with an impressively snappy submission attempt, and seems to think she actually (literally) won during her post-fight interview.

my rating : 4 of 5

2023