Grasso defends UFC flyweight title against Shevchenko in Las Vegas

UFC 306 is set to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, where Alexa Grasso will defend her flyweight title against Valentina Shevchenko. This event coincides with Mexican Independence Day, highlighting Grasso's historic role as the first Mexican woman to win UFC gold. The fight marks the first trilogy between two women in UFC history, following Grasso's victory in their first encounter and a controversial draw in their second match. Grasso's previous win came via fourth-round submission, while the rematch ended in a draw due to a judge's scoring that favored Grasso's late performance. This has led to heightened tensions, particularly for Shevchenko, who believes the pro-Mexican crowd influenced the judges' decisions. Despite this, Grasso is focused on her preparation and the significance of the fight for her country. The event is part of a growing tradition of celebrating Mexican combat sports history in Nevada, with Grasso as the sole current champion from Mexico. She expresses pride in representing her nation and acknowledges the hard work that has led her to this point. The anticipation surrounding the fight is palpable, as both fighters have spent considerable time preparing for each other. As the co-main event, this matchup not only has title implications but also the potential for a fourth fight if the outcome leads to a tie in their series. Grasso's confidence and dedication to her training suggest she is ready to face the challenges ahead, while Shevchenko aims to reclaim her title and settle the score.