Split Draw Between Alexa Grasso And Valentina Shevchenko - UFC Matchmaker Sean Shelby Left Dumbfounded

UFC matchmaker left confused by controversial split draw that allowed Alexa Grasso to retain her flyweight world title.

The UFC matchmaker, Sean Shelby, was just as perplexed as everyone else by the controversial split draw that allowed Alexa Grasso to hold onto the flyweight world title. The highly anticipated Noche UFC event took place at the packed T-Mobile Arena, where Grasso defended her 125-pound title against Valentina Shevchenko, the same opponent she had won the gold from. The 25-minute battle between the two women was an instant classic, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, the excitement quickly turned into confusion when Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer revealed that the bout had been ruled a split draw, allowing Grasso to retain her title.

A video clip circulating on X (formerly Twitter) captured the moment when Sean Shelby was informed of the decision by Buffer, and his face displayed pure bewilderment. This further emphasized the confusion surrounding the split draw ruling.

The split draw decision was primarily influenced by MMA judge Mike Bell, who awarded Grasso a 10-8 score in the fifth round of the fight. This decision left everyone, including commentators Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Daniel Cormier, completely baffled. The 10-8 score seemed unjustifiable, and if Bell had scored the round 10-9 in favor of Grasso instead, Shevchenko would have been favored on two of the three scorecards, making her a two-time flyweight world champion.

As a result of this controversial decision, Grasso will continue to hold the title, potentially causing further delays in the flyweight division. The UFC now faces the decision of whether to proceed with a trilogy fight between Grasso and Shevchenko or to give another fighter in the division an opportunity to compete for the UFC gold.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you believe a Grasso vs. Shevchenko 3 is necessary, or should the flyweight division move on and provide another fighter with a chance at UFC glory?

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