UFC 258: Grasso first Mexican woman to win title belt after submitting Shevchenko
Alexa Grasso (16-3-0) became the new UFC undisputed flyweight champion of the world after defeating Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-0) via submission at the 4:34 mark of the fourth round Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in the co-main event of UFC 258.
Grasso, 29, is officially the first Mexican woman to win a title belt in the UFC and did so against a dominant opponent.
Shevchenko, 34, had successfully defended her championship status seven consecutive times prior to facing Grasso.
Grasso's fourth-round submission is a sign of how she has grown as a fighter because she was thought to be a mere boxer.
The fourth round got off to a quick start as Shevchenko failed a takedown attempt. Shevchenko had previously controlled the fight with her ground control.
Alexa Grasso finishes a classic fight
Grasso was on the prowl in the fourth round as Shevchenko kept backing up and looking for a counter strike.
Shevchenko fought off a takedown attempt from Grasso, who then took some damage while looking for a big hit.
The Mexican fighter then jumped on Shevchenko's back after avoiding a kick with a minute to go in the fourth round.
Grasso overcame multiple setbacks in the early rounds to make it an even fight that she eventually finished in spectacular fashion.
She made her flyweight opponent tap with a rear naked chokehold to join fellow Mexican Brandon Moreno as a reigning UFC champion.
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