UFC women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso is confused by Valentina Shevchenko's comments that UFC will abandon the Mexican Independence Day theme at UFC 306 at the Sphere.
Ahead of the season premiere of The Ultimate Fighter 32 on ESPN and ESPN+ on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET), Shevchenko told MMA Junkie that she understands the historic event, set for Sept. 14 in Las Vegas, will no longer be timed to coincide with the Mexican national holiday. It was an interesting announcement, given that UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly spoken out about the event, which many expect will feature a three-fight series between Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) and Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) for the women's flyweight title.
Grasso said he has yet to receive a contract for the Shevchenko trilogy bout at UFC 306 and claimed he hasn't heard anything to suggest anything has changed in the promotion's plans.
“As far as I know, it's going to be Noche UFC again,” Grasso told MMA Junkie on Monday. “I've seen some interviews with Dana White and he says it's a love letter to Mexican Independence Day, to Mexican fighters. I had a really great experience last year with Noche UFC. It's going to break records for ESPN and UFC Fight Pass. As far as I know, it's going to be 100% dedicated to Mexican Independence Day.”
The two rematched at UFC Noche last September after Grasso upset Shevchenko to win the title at UFC 285 in March 2023. The bout ended in a split draw with Grasso retaining the title. They filmed all of “TUF 32” in the run up to their trilogy bout, but Shevchenko had previously expressed some reservations about fighting a third time with Grasso starring in another Mexican-themed event.
If for any reason Shevchenko declines the bout on that date, Grasso said she plans to face the next challenger. She is very keen to fight at UFC 306 and will do so whether Shevchenko is the opponent or not.
“I don't care if it's Valentina or (Manon) Fiorot or whoever it is,” Grasso said. “I'm just preparing a lot in every aspect. I'm training every day. I've been in fight camp since I was 100 percent ready. I'm ready. I just want to fight that day. I really, really want to fight that day. I'm going to be stronger and more prepared than ever for that day.”
Following criticism of the result of the rematch, Grasso said she wanted Shevchenko to win because she wanted to prove herself superior in the matchup, and Shevchenko would have won the decision and taken the belt if referee Mike Bell had not unfairly scored the fight 10-8 for Grasso in the fifth round.
“I would love to fight Valentina because it would be the first trilogy in women's UFC history,” Grasso said. “We're both coaches and we have a long history together. She's done so much for the sport, and I'm the first Mexican women's champion. We've both accomplished so much, so I think it would be the ideal matchup, the perfect fight. I got a submission. The second fight was a draw, unfortunately, but the third fight, come on, this is where the winner is. So I'd love to be a part of it. I want to fight her and I'm ready, for sure.”
Before returning to the Octagon against whoever her opponent is, Grasso said she is looking forward to her coach being seen by the world on “TUF 32.” She said she enjoyed the process of making the reality show and is eager to show off what knowledge her staff has shared with her team of UFC hopefuls.
“That was totally mine. It was really cool,” Grasso said. “I just want (fans) to get acquainted with 'The Ultimate Fighter' again because a lot of people, especially here in Mexico, are excited to see it. And even more so in Mexico because it's the first time a Mexican team has done it. It's a 100 percent Mexican team. So it's a big deal for me, for my uncle, for my coach, for the whole team, to be a part of this. It was really cool. We had guys from all over the world.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie.
