Conor McGregor Praises Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko’s Bout, Writes “Corker Of A Fight”
On the night of September 16, 2023, MMA fans around the world tuned in to witness the electrifying clash between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko at the UFC’s Noche UFC event. This highly anticipated rematch for the UFC flyweight championship had fans on the edge of their seats as these two extraordinary fighters left it all in the octagon. While the controversial result stirred mixed emotions among viewers, one prominent figure in the MMA world, Conor McGregor, expressed his admiration for the bout and even hinted at the possibility of a trilogy. In this article, we delve into McGregor’s take on the fight, the intense showdown itself, and the aftermath of the disputed outcome.
Grasso vs. Shevchenko: The Flyweight Rivalry
The main event of Noche UFC showcased a rematch for the UFC women’s flyweight title between the champion, Alexa Grasso, and the former champion, Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso had previously secured the belt by submitting Shevchenko the year before, and this fight was set to determine if she could retain her title against one of the most respected fighters in the division.
The Fight of the Night
From the first bell to the final round, Grasso and Shevchenko engaged in an enthralling battle that showcased their exceptional skills and unwavering determination. The fight was characterised by a back-and-forth exchange of strikes, grappling, and cage control, leaving spectators in awe.
Key Moments of the Fight:
- Grasso’s Title Defence: Alexa Grasso entered the octagon as the reigning champion, determined to prove that her initial victory over Shevchenko was not a fluke. She showcased her striking prowess and grappling abilities, aiming to retain her title.
- Shevchenko’s Redemption: Valentina Shevchenko, a fighter known for her resilience and versatility, fought fiercely to regain the championship. Throughout the fight, she displayed her striking accuracy and grappling skills, keeping the pressure on Grasso.
- Controversial Result: After five intense rounds, the judges rendered their verdict. To the surprise of many, the fight was declared a split draw, with scorecards reading 48-47, 47-48, and 47-47. This outcome stirred a passionate debate among fans and experts alike.
McGregor’s Enthusiastic Response
Conor McGregor, a prominent figure in the MMA world, watched the fight from the comfort of his home and took to Twitter to express his admiration for the epic showdown.
McGregor tweeted: “An absolute corker of a fight! all-timer in WMMA [in my opinion]. And it ends in a draw! Wow, wow, wow! Well done, Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko! Incredible! Fair draw. Valentina was unlucky for sure, but a draw is fair in my opinion; run it back. Viva Mexico!”
While McGregor celebrated the thrilling nature of the fight, many other viewers had different opinions about the outcome, particularly regarding Judge Mike Bell’s scoring of the final round, which was crucial in determining the split draw.
Disputed Results and Social Media Reactions
Despite McGregor’s positive take on the fight, the controversial result led to mixed reactions on social media, with many fans feeling that Shevchenko had been hard done by. Some of the reactions included:
- Disputed Scoring: Viewers criticised the 10-8 score awarded to Grasso in the fifth round, with some claiming it had robbed Shevchenko of victory.
- Fans’ Outrage: Social media was flooded with posts expressing outrage and disagreement with the judges’ decision.
- Shevchenko’s Discontent: Valentina Shevchenko herself voiced her discontent about the decision, feeling that she had won the fight and that the judges might have been influenced by the Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
The Prospects of a Trilogy
With the split-draw verdict, the debate about who truly won the fight rages on. Both Grasso and Shevchenko have expressed their views on the decision, and it seems the only way to settle the score once and for all is to have these two remarkable fighters face off in a trilogy.
Conor McGregor’s tweet, in which he called for a rematch, aligns with the sentiments of many fans who believe that another showdown between Grasso and Shevchenko is warranted.
The epic battle between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC left a lasting impression on MMA fans worldwide. While the fight ended in a split draw and sparked controversy, it undeniably showcased the immense talent and heart of both fighters.
Conor McGregor’s enthusiastic response, along with the passionate reactions from fans and critics, underscores the significance of this fight in the MMA world. Whether or not a trilogy will materialise, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Grasso and Shevchenko will be remembered as a pivotal moment in women’s MMA history, and its impact will resonate for years to come.