Noche UFC ‘Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Josefine Lindgren Knutsson (115.5) vs. Marnic Mann (115)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Knutsson (-485), Mann (+370)

Round 1

Women’s strawweights kick off festivities, as Knutsson (6-0, 0-0 UFC) puts her undefeated record on the line against fellow Octagon debutant in Mann (6-1, 0-0 UFC). The 27-year-old Knutsson has gone the distance in five of her six career appearances. Mann, meanwhile, becomes just the second Montana-born woman—Ariel Beck was the first—to compete in the UFC. Chris Tognoni draws the officiating assignment. Knutsson refuses to touch gloves, and we are underway. She connects with a front kick upstairs and follows it with a clean combination. She turns out of a takedown and delivers a wicked knee to the body. Mann clings to a single-leg, then eats a knee to the face while returning to her feet. This looks like a mismatch early on. Knutsson slips out of another takedown and assumes top position, operating in half guard. The Swede mixes in short punches and hammerfists, maintains control and hunts for openings. Mann looks like a fish out of water on her back. Knutsson progresses to side control, feeds her counterpart more ground-and-pound and advances to full mount with 45 seconds left on the clock. Elbows fall next, as Mann does all she can to stay close to the Allstars Training Center rep.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Knutsson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Knutsson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Knutsson

Round 2

Round 2 get started, and the situation looks quite grim for Mann. Knutsson delivers a kick to the body, then shuts down an attempted takedown with a textbook whizzer. Mann clings to the clinch but goes nowhere. Knutsson slips into open space and slams home a brutal knee to the body. A crisp punch-kick combination follows before Mann secures a clinch with her back to the fence. They trade knees at close range before Knutsson connects with an elbow and left hook to the head. Mann continues to stall, but Knutsson breaks away and counters an ill-advised spinning back kick with a right hook to the face. The Swede picks her spots with multi-punch bursts, retreats into open space and then clinches for reasons known only to her. With a minute to go in the middle stanza, Mann finds herself in survival mode. Knutsson executes a trip takedown, settles in half guard and once again gets busy with punches, elbows and forearm strikes. She progresses to full mount in the waning seconds and lets her hands fly until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Knutsson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Knutsson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Knutsson

Round 3

Knutsson bobs, weaves and closes the distance and scores with a spinning backfist turned forearm strike. She mixes in a few leg kicks and scores with a beautiful three-punch volley. Knutsson looks very much like a predator toying with her prey. The Swede completes another takedown, lands in half guard and gets back to work with a little more than three minutes to go. Only one question remains: Can Knutsson get the finish? She stays busy with punches to the body, then incorporates a few to the head. This has not been competitive. Knutsson moves to mount but leaves an opening and allows Mann to get back to her feet. Soon after, she powers back into top position and drops short elbows. With 40 seconds to go, it looks like Mann may survive to hear the final bell. Knutsson continues to pile up points with punches to the body and elbows to the head, then closes in on a rear-naked choke as time expires.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Knutsson (30-25 Knutsson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Knutsson (30-26 Knutsson)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Knutsson (30-26 Knutsson)

The Official Result

Josefine Lindgren Knutsson def. Marnic Mann—Unanimous Decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-27)

Charlie Campbell (155) vs. Alex Reyes (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Campbell (-400), Reyes (+300)

Round 1

Action moves forward in the lightweight division, where Reyes (13-3, 0-1 UFC) returns from a 2,191-day layoff to compete for the first time since Sept. 16, 2017. Longo-Weidman MMA’s Campbell (7-2, 0-0 UFC), a short-notice replacement for Natan Levy, has won six of his past seven bouts. Mark Smith answers the call as the third man in the cage. They touch gloves to get us started. Campbell takes the center of the cage and switches stances right out of the gate. Reyes keeps his feet moving on the perimeter, using feints to try and draw out his debuting opponent. Campbell sneaks in some leg kicks and connects with a right hook with Reyes holding his leg. A right uppercut follows, and Campbell drops the Californian with a clean straight right before swarming for a potential finish. He backs off for a time, then cuts loose with accurate power punches. Reyes is clearly struggling to keep his bearings. Blood flows from a cut across the bridge of his nose. Campbell bottles him up with leg kicks, then sends him crashing to the canvas with a wicked right hand on the button. Reyes faceplants and eats a few more shots before Smith can arrive on the scene to wave it off. An excellent start to Campbell’s run in the UFC.

The Official Result

Charlie Campbell def. Alex Reyes—TKO (Punches) 3:38 R1

Tracy Cortez (126) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cortez (-120), Jasudavicius (+100)

Round 1

Women’s flyweights step into the spotlight, as Cortez (10-1, 4-0 UFC) looks to build on a 10-fight winning streak and continue her climb on the 125-pound ladder. Jasudavicius (9-2, 3-1 UFC) steps into the Octagon on the strength of back-to-back victories over Gabriella Fernandes and Miranda Maverick. Jason Herzog serves as the referee. Jasudavicius turns down the glove tap, preferring to get right down to business. They paw at one another with jabs, as Cortez unleashes an inside leg kick and eats a counter right hand from the Canadian. Cortez connects in combination, setting up her attacks with the jab. Jasudavicius lands with a heavy outside leg kick and nearly spins around the Arizonan. Cortez’s hands look considerably sharper. Jasudavicius lands on occasion but lacks the necessary oomph to give her opponent pause. Cortez sneaks in a right hand over the top, fires more punches and finishes a combination with a clean left hook. Cortez shuts down a takedown attempt, threatens the neck and delivers a knee on the exit. Jasudavicius clinches but gets nowhere, and the flyweight separate. Cortez continues to connect in combination until the bell sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez

Round 2

Cortez re-asserts herself with a sharp one-two to start the middle stanza. She keeps a safe distance with a push kick to the body, scores with a leg kick and exits into open space. Cortez delivers a knee up the middle at close range and snaps the Canadian’s head sideways with a searing left hook. Jasudavicius needs a change of pace. She backs up Cortez with a pair of head kicks, then throw punches down the middle. Cortez goes headhunting and leaves herself open for a takedown. Jasudavicius takes top position midway through the second round. Cortez, however, wall walks to an upright position but allows her opponent to sneak behind her. Jasudavicius powers her way to another takedown and moves to half guard before chipping away with punches. Cortez builds a base again and gets back to her feet, bracing herself against the fence. Jasudavicius lingers in the clinch for too long and ends up with her back to the cage. They move into open space with 20 seconds left and exchange.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius

Round 3

It looks to be anyone’s fight as Round 3 gets underway. Cortez connects with a right hand over the top and follows it with a leg kick. Jasudavicius presses forward, shoots on the hips and clinches. She works hard for a takedown, only to fail initially. The Canadian pesters Cortez with knees to the head in close quarters but allows her to move to the center of the cage. A clean one-two from Cortez backs up Jasudavicius, energizing the crowd with her efforts. They exchange in the center of the cage. Jasudavicius moves into clinch once more and connects with a knee on the break. Cortez spending too much time moving backward but continues to land, especially with her right hand. Fatigue becoming a factor for both women. Jasudavicius follows a knee with a partially blocked head kick and punches. Trash talk ensues after Jasudavicius gets away with pulling the hair in the center of the cage. Cortez keeps her hands busy in the waning seconds. This one could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Jasudavicius (29-28 Jasudavicius)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-29 Cortez)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cortez (29-28 Cortez)

The Official Result

Tracy Cortez def. Jasmine Jasudavicius—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Edgar Chairez (126) vs. Daniel da Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chairez (-250), da Silva (+200)

Round 1

Attention now shifts to the flyweight division, where Chairez (10-5, 0-1 UFC) attempts to rebound from a failed promotional debut opposite Tatsuro Taira in July. Da Silva (11-5, 0-4 UFC) has been finished in all four of his UFC assignments, though his fan-friendly style has allowed him to maintain a spot on the roster at 125 pounds. Chris Tognoni draws the officiating assignment. They touch gloves ahead of what many foresee being a firefight. Chairez probes for openings with jabs and leg kicks. Da Silva takes his time, knowing he can ill afford another misstep. Chairez keeps a tight stance and seems content to strike from the center of the cage. Da Silva shoots on the hips and completes a takedown midway through the round. The Brazilian sets up in full guard and stays close, as Chairez works his way toward an armbar or triangle choke. Da Silva postures up with punches but allows the former Combate Global champion to get back to his feet. Chairez snatches the neck and locks in a modified standing guillotine. Tognoni moves in to wave it off without checking da Silva’s free limb, thinking he had lost consciousness. However, the Brazilian immediately protests as soon as Chairez releases him. Upon further review, the result is overturned.

The Official Result

Edgar Chairez vs. Daniel da Silva—No Contest (Premature Stoppage) 3:47 R1

Josh Fremd (185.5) vs. Roman Kopylov (185.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Kopylov (-355), Fremd (+280)

Round 1

Middleweights are next on the docket, as Kopylov (11-2, 3-2 UFC) tries to make it four wins in a row at 185 pounds. A Factory X representative, Fremd (11-4, 2-2 UFC) headlined multiple Legacy Fighting Alliance events prior to his signing with the UFC in 2022. Mark Smith answers the call as the third man in the cage. Fremd pumps out his jab from the start, eats a few leg kicks and scores with some shin to skin contact to the body. Kopylov continues to target the lead leg with kicks and seems content to allow the fight to come to him. A low blow from Fremd results in a brief pause before they resume their dance in the center of the cage. Fremd sneaks in front kick to the body and backs up the Russian with a multi-strike burst of hands and feet. Kopylov connects with a surgical two-punch combination. He seems to be getting more and more comfortable in the pocket. Fremd shoots on a single-leg but gets nowhere. Kopylov breaks away with punches, takes the center of the cage and uncorks his educated hands. He follows them with a kick to the body. Momentum is starting to turn here. Fremd shoots on another takedown attempt with 20 seconds left, only to get denied. Kopylov lands with a spinning backfist and an uppercut to close the round.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kopylov

Round 2

Kopylov drives a left hand into the body, follows with an uppercut and goes back upstairs with his hands, knocking Fremd off-balance. Fremd paws with his jab and whiffs on a takedown, then eats a head kick. Damage has started to build on his face and his body. Kopylov denies a single-leg takedown, pushes away the American. Fremd’s mouth is wide open, likely due to difficulty breathing through a bloody nose. Kopylov picks his shots but catches another kick low. Smith pauses the action and issues another warning. Kopylov goes to the body and head with a beautiful combination. He backs away and narrowly misses a lunging right uppercut. A savage kick to the body forces Fremd to drop his hands. Kopylov wisely follows with a head kick. A left hook to the liver drops Fremd to all fours and results in an immediate stoppage.

The Official Result

Roman Kopylov def. Josh Fremd—KO (Punch to the Body) 4:44 R2

Lupita Godinez (116) vs. Elise Reed (115.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Godinez (-410), Reed (+320)

Round 1

Lobo Gym’s Godinez (10-3, 5-3 UFC) closes out the prelims in search of her third straight victory in the women’s strawweight division. A former Cage Fury Fighting Championships titleholder, the 30-year-old Reed (7-3, 3-3 UFC) has alternated losses and wins in each of her first six assignments inside the Octagon. Herb Dean serves as the referee. Godinez establishes her hands at the start, then lures Reed into the clinch. Godinez moves behind the ex-CFFC champion and trips her to the floor. She settles in half guard, but Reed manages to get back to her feet without much issue. A sweeping left hook from Godinez sits down Reed and sets the crowd on fire. She jumps to the back and flattens her out. Reed in serious trouble. Godinez threatens the neck with a rear-naked choke but sees her advances stall. She transitions to an armbar and activates her hips. Reed refuses to tap, even as Dean hovers overhead. Godinez moves from a triangle choke back to the armbar as the horn sounds. Somehow, Reed survives.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Godinez
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-8 Godinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Godinez

Round 2

Reed misfires with a flying knee and eats a right hand in response. Reed scores with a head-and-arm thrown, only to see the Lobo Gym rep reverse immediately into top position. Godinez kicks the leg and fires a left hook, as her counterpart moves back to her feet. A mat return takes Reed back to the mat. Godinez works from half guard, then allows Reed to reclaim full guard. Godinez lets her up, connects with a left hook, tees off with punches along the fence and elevates the American for a spectacular double-leg slam. Reed gets to her feet. Godinez trips her back to the floor, moves briefly to a seated mount, progresses to the back and cinches the rear-naked choke for the finish. Excellent performance.

The Official Result

Lupita Godinez def. Elise Reed—Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 3:38 R2

Kyle Nelson (146) vs. Fernando Padilla (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Padilla (-258), Nelson (+210)

Round 1

Featherweights get the ball rolling on the main card, as Team Oyama’s Padilla (15-4, 1-0 UFC) tries to add to the momentum he established with his first-round technical knockout of Julian Erosa at UFC on ESPN 45 in April. Nelson (14-5-1, 2-4-1 UFC) has not recorded back-to-back victories in almost five years. Chris Tognoni draws the officiating assignment. Padilla tests the waters with his jab and leg kicks, looking to exploit his height and reach advantages. Nelson targets the lower leg with kicks and checks his opponent’s chin with a left hook. Padilla marches forward with jabs, hooks from both hands and leg kicks. Nelson walks the Colin Oyama protégé into a jab and buckles his knees. The Canadian continues to batter the lower extremities with kicks. Padilla traps Nelson in the collar tie and connects with a series of short elbows, drawing approval from the boisterous crowd. The pace slows with roughly a minute to go in the round. Nelson shoots on a takedown but quickly bails, once again forced onto his back foot by his relentless adversary.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Padilla
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Padilla
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Padilla

Round 2

Padilla sets the tone with his jab, fires a pair of leg kicks and cuts loose with his hands. Nelson steps into an overhand right and rattles Padilla with a follow-up shot. The Canadian connects with a body kick and follows it with a winding overhand right. Padilla once again zeroes in on the body and lead leg, all while marching forward. Both men fighting in bursts. Padilla paws with his jab, rolls with the return fire and commands the center of the cage. Two evenly matched 145-pound competitors here. Padilla presses forward, forcing Nelson to circle on the outside. He lands a right uppercut inside but fails to follow up. An inside leg kick lands for Padilla, who catches a kick and moves into clinch range before electing to float back into open space.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nelson
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nelson
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nelson

Round 3

The outcome remains in doubt as they enter Round 3. They touch gloves in a show of mutual respect. Nelson throws out a crisp jab, absorbs another leg kick and follows up with an overhand right. Padilla continues to chop away at the Canadian’s base with low kicks but appears to have no answer for his opponent’s looping right hands. An accidental low blow from Padilla results in a brief pause to the action. Upon the restart, Padilla pesters Nelson with his jab and targets a cut that has developed under the left eye. Padilla struggling to find the mark with his shots when it matters most. Nelson backs away and circles, then steps into a pair of overhand rights. He doubles up on the left hook, throwing one to the body and another to the head. Padilla’s output has dropped noticeably. Nelson slams another kick into the Colin Oyama protégé’s calf. Less than a minute to go in a bout that could still go either way. Nelson shoots on a takedown, but Padilla denies his advances a the 10-second warning. They exchange at the end, with neither man gaining a discernible advantage.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nelson (29-28 Nelson)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nelson (29-28 Nelson)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nelson (29-28 Nelson)

The Official Result

Kyle Nelson def. Fernando Padilla—Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Christos Giagos (156) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (156)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zellhuber (-270), Giagos (+220)

Round 1

Focus now moves to the lightweight division, where the once-beaten Zellhuber (13-1, 1-1 UFC) seeks his second straight win at 155 pounds. A former Tachi Palace Fights and Resurrection Fighting Alliance champion, Giagos (20-10, 6-6 UFC) snapped a two-fight losing streak in his most recent appearance—a 95-second, one-punch knockout of Ricky Glenn in April. Jason Herzog answers the call as the third man in the cage. Giagos swings at air early against the well-prepared Xtreme Couture rep. A left hook from Giagos lands and staggers Zellhuber. Giagos gives chase with punches but resets once it becomes clear a finish was not going to materialize. The Kill Cliff Fight Club exports tags the calf with a hard low kick and dodges return fire. Zellhuber shuts down an attempted takedown. Giagos nails the upper leg with a kick and follows with an overhand right. Hooks from both hands back up Zellhuber. Giagos looks to be in top form. Zellhuber connects with a right hand, then staves off another takedown attempt. They trade leg kicks to close the round. Excellent scrap developing here.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Giagos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Giagos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Giagos

Round 2

Zellhuber pumps out his jab but absorbs a counter right hand for his troubles. Leg kicks keep Giagos at bay in the early going. Zellhuber staggers his opponent with a volley of power punches, then denies a dogged takedown attempt from Giagos. They separate, and Zellhuber first two front kicks to the body. Momentum starting to shift. Zellhuber hammers Giagos with a jab and keeps him moving backward. Zellhuber lands a counter right hook, forces Giagos to dive on a takedown and catches him in an anaconda choke. Zellhuber rolls to a dominant position, cuts off avenues of escape and forces the tapout.

The Official Result

Daniel Zellhuber def. Christos Giagos—Submission (Anaconda Choke) 3:26 R2

Terrence Mitchell (135.5) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rosas Jr. (-575), Mitchell (+425)

Round 1

Rosas Jr. (7-1, 1-1 UFC), who does not turn 19 until Oct. 8, attempts to rebound from his first professional setback in this bantamweight showcase at 135 pounds. Mitchell (14-3, 0-1 UFC) cut his teeth on the Alaskan regional scene and remains an unproven commodity at the top level of the sport. Mark Smith serves as the referee. The two men wing wild ride hands at one another. Rosas shows no fear moving forward. He sits down Mitchell with a counter left hook, swarms with ground-and-pound, climbs to full mount, flattens out his counterpart and nets the stoppage with unanswered punches.

The Official Result

Raul Rosas Jr. def. Terrence Mitchell—TKO (Punches) 0:54 R1

Jack Della Maddalena (171) vs. Kevin Holland (170.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Della Maddalena (-148), Holland (+124)

Round 1

Ranked welterweights cross paths in the compelling co-main event, as Della Maddalena (15-2, 5-0 UFC) puts his remarkable 15-fight winning streak on the line in arguably his toughest test to date. The 30-year-old Holland (25-9, 12-6 UFC) boasts 21 finishes among his 25 career victories. Jason Herzog draws the officiating assignment. Della Maddalena lunges forward with jabs and hammers home a leg kick. Holland answers with a leg kick of his own, stays light on his feet and looks to penetrate the Aussie’s defenses with punches down the middle. Della Maddalena attacks the body with hooks and tries to stay close to the Texan, hoping to negate a significant reach advantage. They engage one another at close range in the center of the cage, trading elbows and punches that draw oohs and aahs from the crowd. Holland punctuates a combination with a left hook. Della Maddalena responds with a right hand over the top. Holland stays busy with his kicks, zeroing in on the legs, body and occasionally the head. Della Maddalena scores with a body-head volley in the waning seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena

Round 2

Holland paws with his jab but lands nothing of significance. Della Maddalena sneaks in a leg kick, closes the distance and connects with a right hand upstairs. Holland answers with front kicks to the body and push kicks to the legs. This has the makings of a nip-tuck affair that could go either way. A short counter right lands for Holland, who rolls with punches as the Aussie tries to return fire. Della Maddalena struggling to generate enough output. Holland stays busy with his hands and feet. He doubles and triples up on his jab. Della Maddalena punctuates a combination with a leg kick. Holland shoots on a takedown and bails on it, with both men throwing elbows on the exit. Holland clips his opponent with a right hook at close range, catches a kick and nearly dumps the Aussie to the canvas as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holland
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena

Round 3

Della Maddalena opens the third round with a clubbing right hand that forces “Trailblazer” to retreat and circle. Holland keeps his composure and threatens with kicks. He leans on his jab and connects with a spinning reverse elbow, but it fails to make much of an impact. Della Maddalena cuts loose with punches, and while he lands a few of them, most miss the mark. The Aussie is the more active participant through the first half of the period. Holland is not hitting the accelerator, even though he needs to. Della Maddalena appears to be blocking a majority of his shots. The crowd boos for some reason. Della Maddalena answers every Holland strike with two, three and four of his own. Holland starting to pick up the pace, but it looks to be a case of too little too late. Della Maddalena delivers a pair of short-range elbows just before the fight ends.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (29-28 Della Maddalena)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (29-28 Della Maddalena)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Della Maddalena (30-27 Della Maddalena)

The Official Result

Jack Della Maddalena def. Kevin Holland—Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Alexa Grasso (124.5) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (124.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Shevchenko (-166), Grasso (+140)

Round 1

Grasso (16-3, 8-3 UFC) looks to prove her first victory over Shevchenko—a submission via face crank in the fourth round of their March 4 pairing—was no fluke, as she defends her women’s flyweight championship for the first time in the headliner. Shevchenko (23-4, 12-3 UFC) has never suffered back-to-back losses and remains one of the most revered competitors in the sport. Herb Dean serves as the referee. Shevchenko steps forward with kicks to the lead leg and body, then threads the needles with a surgical straight left. Grasso having issues getting her offense going through the first 90 seconds. Shevchenko connects with a thudding one-two and continues to target the body with kicks. Grasso switches to southpaw, which takes Shevchenko’s preferred body kick out of play for the time being. The champion lands punches in close and shuts off a takedown attempt but eats an elbow off the break from Shevchenko. Grasso overextends on a punch and winds up in the clinch. Shevchenko trips her to the floor with a little more than a minute to go. “Bullet” applies heavy pressure and moves to full mount before transitioning to the back. Grasso scrambles free and escapes serious danger with 30 seconds left in the round. They stall one another in the clinch, trading knees until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Shevchenko connects with a one-two, only to have her counterpart answer with a volley of her own. Grasso denies a takedown attempt and moves into open space. They trade in the center of the cage, and Grasso sits down the Tiger Muay Thai product with a counter right hook. Grasso clinches and slams a series of knees into the body, followed by a burst of punches upstairs. Shevchenko reeling from all the punishment but ducks into a double-leg takedown, slowing the pace midway through the round. She works her ground-and-pound from full guard, mixing punches with knees to the glute. Grasso pushes her back with an upkick and kicks at the former champion’s knees from the butt scoot position. Shevchenko kicks at the legs, then dives back into top position. While not damaging, the ground-and-pound that follows keeps “Bullet” in top position and helps her avoid further issues on the feet.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 3

Grasso opens in a conventional stance, then goes back to southpaw. Shevchenko operates behind her jab, fires a one-two and attacks with a stepping elbow, then completes another takedown. Grasso scrambles free, but wanders into a guillotine. Shevchenko moves to a mounted position, then bails after several tense moments. She transitions to the back with roughly two minutes to go and secures her position with a body triangle. Grasso tries and fails to free herself, as the former champion stays attached to her back. Grasso maneuvers on top with just seconds to go, as Shevchenko attacks an armbar with the horn sounding.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 4

Grasso takes the initiative and cuts loose with punches and kicks to start the round. Nothing lands. Grasso finds the mark with a leg kick. Shevchenko feeds her a punishing jab and connects with a sneaky right hook. The former champion continues to counter effectively. Grasso denies a takedown, bites down on a front headlock and delivers a series of knees to the head. The Lobo Gym rep lands a takedown but winds up in bottom position with two minutes left in the round. Grasso stands. Shevchenko lands an elbow on the break and opens a cut. “Bullet” lands repeated jabs, then follows through with a two-punch combination. Shevchenko steps into another volley, punctuating her efforts with a right hook. She closes the distance with a body lock and secures a takedown. Grasso locks in a heel hook at the end of a close round that could go either way.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Shevchenko
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso

Round 5

They trade jabs in the center of the cage in what could be a deciding final five minutes. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick and pops the champion with a stiff jab. Grasso advances behind her jab but only throws single shots. Shevchenko continues to rely on her jab. Grasso steps into a one-two, undoubtedly waiting for the chance to shoot on a takedown. Business starts to pick up. Grasso slips out of a takedown and moves to the back with less than 90 seconds left. Shevchenko turtles under duress. Grasso locks in a body triangle, then goes to work on a rear-naked choke. Shevchenko denies her advances but continues to eat punches in a critical round that has suddenly gotten away from her. Grasso makes a final pass at a face crank but cannot produce the tap. Close, close fight.

Sherdog Scores

Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (48-47 Shevchenko)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (48-47 Grasso)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Grasso (48-47 Grasso)

The Official Result

Alexa Grasso draws Valentina Shevchenko—Split Draw (48-47, 47-48, 47-47)