Alexa Grasso’s 18-month reign as Women’s Flyweight Champion has come to an end. “The Bullet” Valentina Shevchenko defeated Grasso by way of a lopsided unanimous decision 50-45, 50-45, and 50-45 at UFC 306 Noche UFC at Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. This was the third fight between Grasso and Shevchenko and the series score now stands at 1-1-1 through three fights.
Shevchenko had over 16 minutes of control time while completing eight of her 12 takedown attempts. Shevchenko also out landed Grasso by 27 significant strikes. This was not as exciting as the second fight, which was a draw, but it was huge for Shevchenko as she won her first fight since June 2022. She is one of the greatest women’s fighters of all time, holding the belt in her first reign for over four years while having eight title wins. Shevchenko was in control of this fight throughout the entire 25 minutes and it was never in doubt.
Shevchenko to win by decision was +180 while closing as the -115 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here is who Shevchenko should fight in her first title defense of her second championship reign.
- No. 2 Manon Fiorot
This is the clear choice for Shevchenko’s next opponent. Fiorot is 12-1 while being 7-0 in the UFC. She has wins over No. 3 Erin Blanchfield, No. 5 Rose Namajunas, and No. 7 Katlyn Cerminara. Fiorot, 34, has been dominating since her UFC debut in 2021.
The UFC could do a fourth fight between Shevchenko and Grasso, but after a disappointing third fight on Saturday, it would be shocking if they don’t give someone else a chance to fight for the title. A fight between Shevchenko and Fiorot would be an amazing contest as Fiorot is an incredible striker while “The Bullet” does her best work on the ground.
- Alexa Grasso
Grasso has a case to get another shot at the tile because she is the first person to defeat Shevchenko since Amanda Nunes did it in 2017. Grasso and Nunes are the only two women to beat Shevchenko in her nine years in the company.
Although Grasso will want another crack at the belt, it is unlikely after a very underwhelming performance at UFC 306 Noche UFC. Grasso didn’t let her hands go a ton and was being taken down with ease. Her best moments in the fight came when she was trying to put Shevchenko in submissions from the bottom.
It looks like Grasso along with Sean O’Malley will have to rebuild themselves to earn another championship opportunity in the future. Grasso is only 32 years old and Shevchenko showed at 36 years old that it is never too late to become champion again.
- No. 4 Maycee Barber
After losing to Grasso in February 2021, Barber has gone on quite the run winning her last six fights. Her two best victories came against No. 7 Cerminara and No. 10 Amanda Ribas. Her last fight was at UFC 299 and she beat Cerminara by a unanimous decision and dominated her from start to finish. Barber landed 84 significant strikes and landed all four of her takedown attempts.
Even though Barber is on a winning streak, it is unlikely that she will get a title opportunity next. But, Barber could be one fight away from a shot at the belt depending on who she is matched up against in her next fight. Barber is 26 years old and is 9-2 in her UFC career.
On Saturday night, Shevchenko proved that she isn’t washed up and that age is only a number. “The Bullet” is still dominating in 2024, as she has been doing since 2018.
Play at DraftKings UFC Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is ryanwohl) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
