MMA Preview – Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso at UFC 285
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VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO VS ALEXA GRASSO FACTS
When is UFC 285? Sunday 5th March, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 285? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 285? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 285
What channel is UFC 285 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 285? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO VS ALEXA GRASSO LOWDOWN
The flyweight queen and most skilled female fighter of all time, Valentina Shevchenko (23-3) walks out for the seventh defence of her crown. She has only lost to the much larger Amanda Nunes (2016 and 2017) and since then, she has carved through nine contenders including four knockouts. Two of those were in her last three – Jessica Andrade (2021) and Lauren Murphy (201). She only fought once last year and it was her toughest flyweight test so far going to a split decision with Taila Santos so no doubt, they will meet again.
That is, if she can get past the next young and hungry contender Alexa Grasso (15-3). She had a shaky start to her UFC career going 3-3 in her first six fights. She was young and simply got outwrestled by Felice Herrig (2017) and then Tatiana Suarez (2018) and Carla Esparza (2019) who are two of the best female wrestlers. Since her last loss, she has evolved and strung together four impressive wins including a submission over Joanne Wood (2022) and a unanimous decision over Viviane Araujo (2022).
VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO VS ALEXA GRASSO PREDICTION
Not enough can be said about defending a UFC title. It is the hardest feat in the sport as every opponent a champion faces is entering the biggest opportunity of their career in the form of the their life. Grasso is no different and is peaking into a true Mixed Martial Artist, desperate to be the one to finally dethrone the queen.
The only success other flyweights have had against Shevchenko have been through their wrestling. Grasso’s wrestling has come on leaps and bounds, but it will not be enough to grind out the champ.
Shevchenko is still an exceptional grappler. Her clinch, offensive wrestling and jiu-jitsu is top tier and we cannot see Grasso risking that to pick on her takedown defence.
We expect Grasso to stick to her strengths and box. She has brilliant hands and movement so if this stays at boxing range for five rounds, she has a great chance.
However, Shevchenko is too smart for that. She will try and control the range with her kicks and when the distance closes, she will clinch up where she has the power and technique to toss the Mexican to the canvas.
We expect Grasso to be super competitive on the feet and a punt on a decision win is tempting considering the odds. That said, Shevchenko has too many strings to her bow and avenues to win. A decision is likely, but if Shevchenko finds that crucifix position, a finish is almost inevitable.
Prediction: Shevchenko via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Shevchenko via Submission
