Alexa Grasso says “it’s inspiring” to fight on same day as Canelo Alvarez
UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso will meet former champion Valentina Shevchenko inside the octagon for a third time on September 16.
The UFC 306 co-main event at the Sphere in Las Vegas will be the second time Grasso defends the belt against Shevchenko. She submitted the former champion in their first appearance, taking the belt from her waist in March 2023. The two women then fought to a draw in a controversial rematch later that year.
UFC 306 also dubbed as Noche UFC is the promotion’s annual event to highlight Mexican culture in combat sports. Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez will compete that same night against Edgar Berlanga.
“For me, honestly, this is really cool,” Grasso told reporters during a UFC 306 open workout media scrum. “I’ve been a big fan of Canelo. We are from the same city, he’s from Guadalajara too. I’ve been watching his whole career and he’s a big role model for athletes in Mexico, especially combat sports.
“So, for me, it’s huge. Like, fighting on the same day as him? It’s inspiring.”
