UFC 285 Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso 3/4/2023 Picks, Odds and Tips
The upcoming bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso may not immediately jump out as a marquee matchup, but it has the potential to be a historic showdown. Shevchenko, already the most decorated female fighter in UFC history with seven successful defenses of the flyweight championship under her belt, is preparing to add yet another accolade to her resume with an eighth title defense. Since capturing the flyweight title in a bout against Joanna Jedrzejczyk in 2018, Shevchenko has been nothing short of dominant, asserting her dominance over the division with a series of commanding performances.
However, standing in her way on Saturday night is Alexa Grasso, who arrives in Las Vegas riding a four-fight winning streak. Both fighters boast impressive skillsets across a range of disciplines, including striking, grappling, and submission expertise. As a result, fans can expect an electrifying co-main event that showcases the full breadth of talent on display in the women’s flyweight division. While Shevchenko’s reputation as a dominant champion may make her the odds-on favorite, Grasso’s recent run of success suggests that she is not to be underestimated, setting the stage for a potentially historic clash between two of the UFC’s most talented female fighters.
Securing a victory in her upcoming fight would be a pivotal moment for Valentina Shevchenko as she aims to surpass former featherweight champion Jose Aldo in the rankings. With seven consecutive defenses under her belt, a win would propel her to eight and leave her trailing only Demetrious Johnson, Anderson Silva, and Georges St-Pierre in terms of successful title defenses. However, the task at hand may not be as straightforward as it seems at first glance, as Alexa Grasso is poised to provide a stiff challenge in their upcoming matchup.
UFC 285 Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso 3/4/2023 Picks, Odds and Tips
While Grasso has been performing admirably and currently holds the No.6 ranking in the division, it’s worth noting that she may not be the top contender at this moment in time. Though she may have been granted the opportunity to face Shevchenko ahead of former Shevchenko opponents like Jessica Andrade and Katlyn Chookagian, it’s debatable whether she deserves to be ranked higher than fighters like Manon Fiorot or Erin Blanchfield. As such, it remains to be seen whether Shevchenko can overcome the challenge posed by Grasso and continue her dominant run in the division.
Make no mistake, Alexa Grasso is a talented fighter in her own right. Her crisp boxing skills and quick hands, coupled with impressive combination work and an improved ground game, make her a formidable opponent. However, facing Valentina Shevchenko at her best is a whole different ball game. The reigning champion’s striking arsenal is far more diverse and she packs a harder punch than Grasso. Additionally, Shevchenko has an edge on the ground, making it difficult to envision Grasso mounting a significant challenge.
That being said, the recent split decision win over Taila Santos has raised questions about whether Shevchenko is past her prime. It’s doubtful, as it’s more likely that Santos simply posed a tough matchup for the champion with her grappling abilities. In fact, Grasso may be a more favorable opponent for Shevchenko to prove her dominance once again and solidify her position as the top female fighter in the world. All things considered, it’s hard to see Shevchenko losing this bout, but anything can happen in the unpredictable world of combat sports.
- Date: Saturday, March 4
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT
- Venue: The fight is taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- TV: U.S.: ESPN+ PPV, UK: BT Sport
- Fight cagewalks (approx): 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. GMT
