Alexa Grasso shocked the world.
On Saturday night, Grasso posted the biggest upset of the year, submitting Valentina Shevchenko to win the flyweight title at UFC 285 in front of a raucous crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
ALEXA GRASSO SHOCKS THE WORLD pic.twitter.com/JAkHZqoGLU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 5, 2023
After forcing Shevchenko to tap out with 26 seconds remaining in the fourth round, Grasso was understandably overwhelmed by emotions.
"Please punch me because I feel like I'm dreaming," Grasso told Joe Rogan after the fight. "I dreamed of this moment for so long. Thank you, everyone that here. Thank you so much."
Grasso fought valiantly but was likely trailing on the scorecard heading into the fourth round. Needing a big moment to come away with a win, Grasso capitalized when it finally came.
Grasso backed Shevchenko toward the cage with under a minute to go before side-stepping a spinning kick. From there, Grasso gained rear control, taking Shevchenko to the ground. Seconds later, she was a world champion.
The momentous victory also helped Grasso make UFC history. With gold around her waist, Grasso becomes the first Mexican-born UFC women's champion.
Shevchenko (23-4) entered her seventh title defense as the sizable favorite (-750) to win, per Oddschecker. Meanwhile, Grasso was the decided underdog (+600).
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