Alexa Grasso is all set to defend her flyweight strap against former champion Valentina Shevchenko. On September 16th, the two flyweights will lock horns for the second time since their clash at UFC 285. This event would be extra special for the Mexican as it is on the same day as her homeland’s Independence Day.

The last time the two fighters met, the fight was a close contest. Considering this, experts seem divided in their predictions. According to many, Shevchenko still has what it takes to take her throne back. But many seem doubtful of the former flyweight queen amidst her upcoming rematch. The latest of those doubters is Michael Bisping.

Michael Bisping backs Alexa Grasso against Valentina Shevchenko

In his latest YouTube video, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping shared his opinion on the upcoming fight for the UFC flyweight strap. Expressing his doubts over former champion Valentina Shevchenko, Bisping chose Grasso over her 35-year-old rival. In his opinion, the best days for the former champion might be behind her. Even if that isn’t the case, the Englishman thinks that the Mexican might just be a better fighter than her Kyrgyzstani rival. In Bisping’s own words:

“I think Valentina Shevchenko has been a dominant force for so long, but everyone has their end, everyone has the beginning of the end. Is this the beginning of the end for Shevchenko, or are her best days behind her? I don’t know. Maybe she has had enough nights, and maybe Alexa Grasso is just a better fighter.”

Showing confidence in the newly crowned champion, the Englishman further said that Alexa Grasso’s last performance wasn’t a case of one and done. Something which can be proven by the scored cards of her last fight. Riding a five-fight win streak, the Mexican is looking the strongest she has ever been. No doubt, a lot of people are picking her over Valentina despite the former champion being ahead in terms of points until she got submitted.

Is Valentina Shevchenko done?

While Alexa Grasso seems to be gaining new supporters day-by-day, Valentina Shevchenko seems to be losing it. Moving down from bantamweight, ‘Bullet’ made a terror run at the UFC’s flyweight division. In the process, she also won the division gold and defended it seven consecutive times. However, her title reign came to an end at UFC 285 after she tapped into a face crank. This, however, isn’t the only reason people are picking against the former kickboxer.

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In her last title defense against Taila Santos, the Kyrgyzstani didn’t look as dominant. Many chose her Brazilian rival as the winner, discrediting the official decision. In recent times, many dominant UFC champs have seen their long title reign come to an end. While fighters like Israel Adesanya and Shevchenko’s former rival Amanda Nunes have been able to bounce back, others like Kamaru Usman have struggled to regain their throne. What do you think about it? Can Valentina Shevchenko bounce back? Let us know in the comments.

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