Alexa
Grasso handled the load of expectations years earlier than she
authored a career-defining upset in opposition to Valentina
Shevchenko at UFC
285.
Dana White as soon as known as Grasso the potential “Ronda
Rousey of Mexico,” a label the Lobo Gymnasium MMA export struggled to
meet to through the ups and downs of her early profession. After going
3-3 in her first six Octagon appearances, Grasso has hit her stride
with a five-bout UFC successful streak that culminated in her claiming
flyweight gold in Saturday’s co-main occasion.
“Think about that. I received an important struggle of my life,” Grasso
mentioned at Saturday’s post-fight press convention. “I did all the things I
needed to do to get my hand raised, and I knew that I needed to end
the struggle it doesn’t matter what.”
Grasso was a substantial underdog in opposition to Shevchenko, who’s
extensively thought to be one of many high two or three feminine
pound-for-pound abilities within the sport. She by no means appeared out of her
depth in opposition to “Bullet,” nevertheless, and that ultimately set the stage
for the stunning end.
“Once I realized that I used to be touching her with my arms, she modified
the technique,” Grasso mentioned. “She was taking me to the bottom. She’s
so quick, I used to be not capable of defend. Once I was on the bottom, I
at all times informed myself, it’s important to (get) up many times. You received’t
cease till you rise up. That’s what I did. Within the fourth spherical, my
coaches informed me decrease your degree a little bit bit and I used to be capable of
defend higher.
“I used to be simply hoping that she was doing the spinning (assault). It was
simpler to take the again within the second. I used to be simply ready for the
excellent alternative.”
When Shevchenko whiffed on a spinning again kick in Spherical 4, Grasso
seized the second by rapidly taking her opponent’s again and searching
for a submission. The maneuver that pressured Shevchenko to faucet was
extra face crank than rear-naked choke, however the squeeze was
plain. It was particularly satisfying for Grasso, who entered
MMA recognized primarily for her boxing acumen.
“It feels nice. I’ve been enhancing my jiu-jitsu for therefore lengthy. This
meant rather a lot to me,” Grasso mentioned. “Now I’m ending fights. It’s
actually superb. I really need to end my fights now. I’m getting
extra mature, I’m getting higher as a fighter. I’m displaying
that.”
That enchancment was mirrored in her end of Shevchenko, which
is presently the chief within the clubhouse for 2023’s “Upset of the
Yr.”
“We knew that she was going to spin. Like I mentioned, it was simpler to
take the again from that place,” Grasso mentioned. “I used to be simply ready
for that second.”
Given Shevchenko’s run of excellence within the division, it’s fairly
doable {that a} rematch shall be so as. Grasso is open to the
risk if that finally ends up being the UFC’s route of
selection.
“After all,” Grasso mentioned. “She was so dominant within the division. Of
course we will do that once more.”
No matter what the longer term may maintain, Grasso made historical past by
turning into the primary Mexican-born feminine champion in UFC historical past. It
undoubtedly didn’t occur in a single day.
“I used to be born and raised and skilled 100% in Mexico,” she
mentioned. “After we began, we have been used to being informed, ‘No you’ll
by no means obtain it. You’ll by no means have a belt. You’ll by no means make
it to the UFC.’ Man, we have been working actually onerous. I’ve a tremendous
group behind me. That is my household, my uncle, my dad, my coaches.
All my teammates are combating 5 rounds. We’ve a variety of expertise
in my health club and I’m so pleased with that.”
Grasso was already well-known in her house nation, however her profile
solely figures to extend now that she’s a UFC champion. The
recognition is one thing she appreciates.
“It occurs fairly typically, and I’m joyful that folks can acknowledge
me,” Grasso mentioned. “I at all times like that folks find out about me for my
dedication, my work and now for being a champion. Think about that.
It’s nice.”
