2023 has been a big year for Mexico and the UFC. In January, Brandon Moreno kept the flyweight title in Tijuana, Yair Rodriguez took the interim featherweight championship to Chihuahua in February and on March 4th in the co-main event of UFC 285: Jones vs Gane, women’s flyweight, Alexa Grasso (15-3) looks to dethrone current champion, Valentina Shevchenko (23-3) and bring the belt back home to Guadalajara. “Its tons of motivation for me because I already saw that its possible,” said Grasso. “My two friends already did it. Its super exciting for me. I’ve been working for so long for this moment.”
This will be Grasso’s biggest test to date facing Shevchenko who has been undefeated since taking the title in 2018 and has defended that title seven times. “I think it’s a perfect match up,” explained Grasso. “My striking always is on point but we are working in all areas to be ready for whatever she gives.”
It has been said and her fights have shown that Grasso has some of the best hands and stand up in women’s MMA today. So, making sure the fight stays on its feet is something that Grasso knows is a big piece to winning this weekend but is open to it going wherever it needs to go. “I think this is the best opportunity for me to prove that,” said Grasso. “I’ve been known really well for great boxing and I’ve also been showing that I’m a complete athlete but yes, this is the best opportunity to show that I’m the best boxer in the flyweight division.”
And along with many eyes watching what happens as this fight is the co-main event of the evening, the main event showcases the return of Jon Jones in his heavyweight debut which is arguably the most anticipated fight in UFC history and Grasso is very aware of what that adds to her fight. “It seems great,” said Grasso. “The UFC is super big and it’s an amazing company. Every single card is better that the one before, so yes, it’s great for me to be able to perform that night and it’s great to have Jon Jones back.”
If you’ve seen an Alexa Grasso fight, you know there is no quit in her and the same could be said for current champion, Valentina Shevchenko which is what makes this fight so intriguing. And when asked what she sees when she visualizes this fight, Grasso is ready to bring the gold back home with her. “I just want to show everyone that I’m a complete athlete and I’m a lot better that every single fight before,” explained Grasso. “I’m ready to be champion.”
Alexa Grasso will face Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC women’s flyweight championship, Saturday, March 4th in the co-main event of UFC 285: Jones vs Gane on PPV.
Photo credit: UFC/Getty Images
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