Alexa Grasso will face off against Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event of Noche UFC 306 on Sept. 14 in a Mexican-themed card. The pay-per-view will take place on the same date as Canelo Alvarez's title clash with Edgar Berlanga, with debates raging amongst fans about which event will bring more viewers.
But Grasso does not share the competitive spirit of others regarding the clash of dates, and is grateful to be fighting on Mexican Independence Day alongside Alvarez.
The flyweight champion will face Shevchenko for a third consecutive time, after their previous clash which also took place on Mexican Independence Day ended in a draw last year.
With Grasso having handed 'Bullet' her first career loss at flyweight during their first fight at UFC 285, the former champion will be eager to level the aggregate score.
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Ahead of their bout, the Mexican champion was interviewed by MMAJunkie, where she was asked about the clashing dates for Alvarez vs. Berlanga. She said:
"For me, honestly, I think it's very cool. I've been a big fan of Canelo, we're from the same city. He's from Guadalajara too. I've been watching his whole career, he's a big role model for athletes in Mexico, especially combat sports. So for me it's huge, fighting the same day as him."
Watch Alexa Grasso's interview below (2:05):
Alexa Grasso praises her upcoming opponent ahead of massive trilogy bout
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will clash in an epic trilogy bout at Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Having recently completed a season of 'The Ultimate Fighter', serving as respective coaches during the show, the flyweight pair are as familiar with each other as they've ever been.
Whilst they share an undeniable rivalry, the Mexican champion recently shared some praise for Shevchenko, one of the sport's greatest combatants.
The 31-year-old was recently interviewed by Mike Bohn, where she said:
"I admire her, [Shevchenko] has done so much and is a really big inspiration to be at this stage, [doing] the same things, making history. We are doing something really cool. The first women’s trilogy [in the UFC]. The first fight was amazing. The second fight was so, so amazing. You can expect the third fight is going to be a hell of a fight."
Watch Alexa Grasso's interview below (8:25):