Erin Blanchfield Settles Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso ‘Split Draw’ Result
Erin Blanchfield doesn’t agree with the Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso result at Noche UFC. The fast-rising flyweight contender recently weighed in on the highly controversial outcome of last weekend’s women’s flyweight title fight.
Valentina Shevchenko couldn’t reclaim the title she held for so long from Alexa Grasso, thanks to a rare split-draw decision at the end of their fight. The fireworks contest went the distance, with the final scorecards displaying a 47-47, 48-47, and 47-48 result. Due to this, the Shevchenko-Grasso title fight went down in modern UFC history as only the sixth championship contest to end in a draw.
The aftermath of the fight was marred with controversy. Many fans claimed that while it was a close contest, Shevchenko deserved to get her hand raised. This was due to one judge, Mike Bell, giving Grasso a 10-8 score in the final round. Many objected to this and blamed unfair judging for robbing Shevchenko of a victory. While the Mexican undoubtedly put up an incredible performance, she was also brutally dominated in the third round.
While a trilogy fight between the two is certainly possible, Erin Blanchfield could be given the next title shot. ‘Cold Blooded’ is on an incredible nine-fight win streak and is coming off an impressive victory over Taila Santos at UFC Singapore. Given her investment in the results of the contest, let’s find out what she thought of the final scoresheet.
In a recent interview with famed MMA journalist The Schmo, Erin Blanchfield weighed in on the Noche UFC headliner. The mercurial women’s flyweight contender did not agree with the split-draw decision and claimed Shevchenko should have won. Speaking specifically about the controversial fourth-round 10-8 score by Mike Bell, she opined that Grasso wasn’t posing any danger to Shevchenko and dismissed the validity of the lopsided score.
It remains to be seen if Erin Blanchfield is called up for the next title shot.