With seconds remaining in the round she transitioned to an armbar but the bell came to Grasso’s rescue. Shevchenko utilized the same strategy to good effect early in the third, taking her opponent down and looking to secure a mounted guillotine. She looked in trouble but was able to secure a takedown and see out the round. Shevchenko got the better of the opening round but Grasso, fighting out of a southpaw stance, landed a right hand which dropped the former champion in the third round. It was a close bout though and could have gone either way with both flyweights having their moments. Unfortunately it meant all the post fight discussion was centred around that 10-8 score in the final round that ensured the contest ended in a draw. The other two judges had it 48-47 for either fighter making that 10-8 round absolutely decisive in determining the outcome. That single point given to Grasso by judge Mike Bell meant that instead of Shevchenko winning 48-47 on his scorecard the result was a draw. It was enough to win the Mexican the round but Shevchenko would still have won the fight had one judge not inexplicably scored the final round 10-8 for the champion. Grasso landed some ground and pound and tried for a rear naked choke and a neck crank. But with around a minute remaining she gave up her back while attempting a throw. Shevchenko appeared to be on track to win the final round, which would have been enough to get her the nod on all three scorecards. Unfortunately the major talking point turned to to be the scorecards, specifically the way in which one judge denied the former champion victory. Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso fought to a draw at UFC Fight Night 227 after 25 minutes of back and forth action.

Anaconda choke vs guillotine