Valentina Shevchenko reacts after losing the women’s flyweight belt at UFC 285
Former champion Valentina Shevchenko reacted after losing the women’s flyweight belt to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285.
Grasso shocked the MMA world when she submitted Shevchenko in the fourth round of their UFC women’s flyweight title fight this past Saturday at UFC 285. It was one of the biggest upsets of all time in the UFC, as Grasso was a massive underdog heading into the bout. Despite the lopsided odds against her, however, she was able to get her opponent down to the ground in the fourth round, take her back, and then sink in the rear-naked choke for the biggest win of her MMA career.
For Grasso, it was by far the biggest and brightest moment of her UFC career, but for Shevchenko, it marked a low point. Just one fight after she barely squeaked by Taila Santos in a split decision win at UFC 275, Shevchenko lost her belt to Grasso in shocking fashion. Taking to her social media in the days following the defeat, “Buellt” issued a statement describing her emotions following the surprise loss.
Thank you everyone for the support! Truly appreciate all of you! In good and bad thank you for being with me. Difficult times built strong people. Martial Arts is my LIFE and I will be back for immediate rematch stronger than ever. Fight doesn’t forgive any mistake! Especially it feels frustrating when you was dominating all the fight. No excuses, only hard work! Ready to start all over. Love you all
It will be interesting to see how the rematch goes, as the UFC seems very likely to grant one given Shevchenko’s dominance in the weight class for the past five years. We will find then out if she makes any adjustments against Grasso the next time.
What do you think is next for Valentina Shevchenko after she lost to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285?
