The pay-per-view event UFC 285 delivered on all counts. The audience was at the forefront of their event the entire night due to the thrilling fights that took place. The co-main event between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko was particularly impressive, with both fighters putting up a great show.
In a surprise ending, Alexa Grasso won the fight via submission in the fourth round. While the fight was thoroughly entertaining, there were a couple of moments where the referee’s decision was called into question. Marlon Vera was one of the many people that criticized the refereeing of the fight.
Marlon Vera’s tweet about Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso
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Marlon Vera, a UFC bantamweight fighter, took to Twitter to express his views on the referee’s actions during the fight. “Dumb stop of the action from the ref. Follow by illegal kick and no warming”, Vera said. He criticized the decision to stop the action when Valentina was on top of Grasso, stating that there was no need for the stoppage.
Dumb stop of the action from the ref. Follow by illegal kick and no warming.
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 5, 2023
He also pointed out to Grasso‘s ground kick, which is considered illegal under UFC rules. According to him, the referee should have at least warned Grasso to not attempt the kick again. In response to the tweet, MMA fans have different things to say. Some agreed with Vera’s statement, whereas some backed the referee’s decisions.
Also, Shevchenko did not complain about the alleged ground kick, which could mean that it did not land with a powerful impact.
Here are some of the fan reactions –
I agree vera!!
— Robbie_Snipe⚛️ (@RobbieSnipe) March 5, 2023
Some fans agreed with Vera
These refs were paid for violence apparently…I strongly disagree with it
— The MMA Minute (@The_MMA_Minute) March 5, 2023
While some did not
The replay showed it was a push to the chest no kick on grounded opponent landed @chitoveraUFC
— Cesar (@cesar710x) March 5, 2023
Several of them opted to board the middle ground.
Agreed bad stop of the action for the standup, but then Valentina landed an illegal strike immediately after. So it evens out. And that was a push on the collar bone. No kick to the head
— LatinHeat_JNC (@hotjc07) March 5, 2023
Some called out the referees
Refs are weird today
— Tomasjcj (@tomasjcj) March 5, 2023
One did not think the kick was illegal
To be fair. It wasn’t really a kick. She pushed her off her with her foot. But it was a push not a real strike.
— Daniel Wesley 🇺🇸 (@uldalldw) March 5, 2023
One even made slight fun of Vera’ wrong spelling of ‘warning’
I agree he should've gave her a blanket
— SwizzyJMMA (@jessethenessie) March 5, 2023
Nevertheless, the flyweight division has a new queen.
The new women’s flyweight champion
Despite these moments of controversy, the fight between Grasso and Shevchenko was an impressive showcase of skill and athleticism. Both fighters showed great technique and strength. However, Alexa Grasso dominated the fight with striking as well as wrestling.
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After submitting Shevchenko in the fourth round, the UFC crowned Alexa Grasso the new women’s featherweight champion. Fans could see Grasso’s emotions after achieving such an impressive feat in her young career. She paid her respect to the former champion, Shevchenko.
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Watch This Story – Valentina Shevchenko Stats: Record, Height, Reach, KOs, Submissions
UFC 285 was an entertaining event that showcased some of the best fighters in the sport. The fight between Grasso and Shevchenko was the highlight of an exciting night, although there were moments of controversy surrounding the referee’s decisions. What did you make of the referee’s decisions? Let us know in the comments below.