The mixed martial arts (MMA) community is in shock after the clash between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso for the women’s flyweight title. What was supposed to be an epic battle between two of the best fighters ended in a controversy that has unleashed the fury of experts and fans, who believe that Alexa Grasso was unfairly favored by the judges.

The fight, held on Sept. 16 in the midst of Mexico’s independence celebrations, was the rematch everyone had been waiting for. Valentina Shevchenko, a dominant former champion, faced Mexican Alexa Grasso, who was looking to retain her title in front of her hometown. The tension was palpable, and both sides knew it would be a war in the Octagon.

Throughout the five rounds, both fighters demonstrated their skill and endurance. Shevchenko, known for her technical precision, kept Grasso under control for much of the fight. However, the Mexican champion, boosted by the support of her home crowd, counterattacked strongly and applied pressure at key moments.

At the end of the fight, many expected a decision in favor of Shevchenko, who had dominated much of the match. However, the judges surprised everyone by ruling it a split draw, allowing Grasso to retain her title. The controversy immediately exploded on social media, where numerous MMA experts and fans called the decision “unfair” and “scandalous.”

Various sports figures expressed their displeasure, arguing that Shevchenko had been “robbed” of a well-deserved victory. One of the most criticised aspects was the scoring of the fourth round, where many believed Shevchenko had clearly won, while some judges awarded it to Grasso, sparking even more outrage.

During the post-fight press conference, Shevchenko did not hide her frustration, stating: “I did everything necessary to win. Alexa is a great competitor, but I don’t think the decision reflects what really happened in the fight.” Shevchenko also made it clear that she is ready for a third fight, hoping that this time the decision will be fairer.

For her part, Alexa Grasso defended the result and was proud to have retained her title on such a significant day for Mexico, acknowledging that it was a difficult fight, but feeling satisfied with her performance.

The Shevchenko-Grasso showdown has left an indelible mark on the MMA world, and it would not be surprising to see a third fight in the near future. Meanwhile, the debate over the judges’ decisions and the need to reform the scoring system will remain a hot topic in the coming months.