The dust of UFC 285 has yet to settle. For fans, it would be difficult to get over the spectacular fights they witnessed at one of the biggest events of the promotion. The bouts undoubtedly took everyone to the edge of their seats, as some victories were completely unexpected. One such victory that was against the predictions of the majority was Alexa Grasso‘s. The former flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko, and Alexa Grasso squared off at the co-main event of UFC 285. However, against the expectations of the fans, it was the Mexican fighter who troubled the flyweight queen with heavy strikes.
When the bout reached the fourth round, Shevchenko was ready to throw her spinning kicks at Grasso. It was then that Grasso jumped over the ‘Bullet’ and trapped her in a face crank. This legendary move from the 29-year-old paved her way to the flyweight throne. After the huge loss, the Kyrgyz and Peruvian fighter finally broke her silence. Nonetheless, this ended up with the Bullet receiving severe criticism from the netizens.
Valentina Shevchenko receives backlash from MMA fans
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Shevchenko was on a nine-fight winning streak before she lost to Grasso. However, at UFC 285, she failed to defend her title. Post-fight, Shevchenko took to her Twitter handle to pass her message to the fans. She wrote, “Fight doesn’t forget any mistake! Especially when you’re dominating the fight, it feels frustrating. No excuses, only hard work! Ready to start all over. Love you all”. The Bullet’s tweet frustrated the netizens. According to them, she was not dominating the fight.
Here is how fans reacted after coming across her tweet:
One of the fans claimed that she was not dominating.
You were not dominating 😂😂😂
— fuckinraul (@raquemaulXO) March 6, 2023
Another fan pointed out how she couldn’t make excuses as she tapped.
“No excuses” as you drop multiple excuses after tapping
— MMAFayce (@MMAFayce) March 6, 2023
One of the Twitter users suggested Shevchenko come back stronger.
Sometimes a setback is a good thing, refocus and come back stronger than ever!
— Mr Jones (@mrjones_kl) March 6, 2023
Another fan warned that Bullet’s assessment of her last bout was entirely wrong and that it would only lead to her losing a second time.
valentina be honest with yourself, especially when former champions lost and had the same "i was dominating the entire fight" when in reality they were not because that leaves no room in your mind to improve on the spots you were losing. This all leads to you losing a rematch
— Brubsie (@amirus15) March 6, 2023
One fan asked her to stop saying she was winning and give Grasso the credit she deserves.
Stop saying how you were winning. Give the girl her credit. You tapped which is the worst form of Losing in MMA (Giving up) You had zero movement and your game plan has not changed in years. Adjust or get left behind.
— bustuw72 (@bustuw72) March 6, 2023
Another fan gave his thoughts on the fight, which was contrary to what Shevchenko thought.
No, it’s her saying she was dominating. She wasn’t. She clearly lost the first round. Dazed her in the second, Bullet turned into a wrestling holding her down with 0 damage caused into the end of the 3rd. She was losing the 4th and got submitted. That’s not dominating.
— Mario A. Esquivel (@Mario_Esq2) March 6, 2023
One of the Twitter users reminded her of how she got choked.
I thought you said this was not a boxing match and yet you got choked
— 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚 (@MMAGGGALAA) March 6, 2023
Thus, people did not agree with Shevchenko.
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Can there be a rematch between the two?
In an interview with Ag Fight, Grasso made it clear that she is ready for an immediate rematch with Shevchenko. Grasso seems pretty confident in her strength to beat the former flyweight champion a second time.
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The Mexican fighter confessed that she felt she was in trouble in the second round, but Grasso was able to manage herself well. Her presence of mind and tactics helped her have a glorious victory. On the other hand, Shevchenko never expected Gasso to outdo her in any way.
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