Valentina Shevchenko analyzes the fight at UFC 285 and sends a message to her opponent: 'This is MMA'

V.Shevchenko analyzes skills Alexa grasso. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC

Ready to make her eighth title defense in Ultimate, Valentina Shevchenko talked about the confrontation against Alexa grasso No. UFC 285. Protagonist of the penultimate fight of the night, the flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg) declared that she was aware of the strategy that the Mexican can bring to the fight, but highlighted that, on March 4th, they will fight MMA.

“Yes, of course (her boxing is good), but there is a difference here: we are fighting MMA, not boxing. I know her background is boxing and striking, but that doesn't mean she won't use all the weapons she can use in MMA. The strategy is different for the fight. I'm ready to fight wherever the fight goes. Strikes, takedown attempts, ground game. I know what to do and how to master in each area. I will show this on Saturday”, declared Valentina to 'MMA Junkie'.

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An Ultimate veteran, Shevchenko claims that she has faced other types of fighters and said that Alexa grasso does not have the necessary weapons to defeat it.

“She's definitely good, but you have to keep in mind all the other opponents. For example, when I fought Holly holm, who was in another weight class, this was a different height – longer arms and legs. Everything was different. If you only have one weapon, you don't have many tools to win. You need to be more complete than just a boxer”, concluded the champion.

V.Shevchenko and A.Grasso face each other in the UFC 285. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

At 34 years old, Valentina has 12 wins and two losses in Ultimate. The only athlete capable of surpassing her in the organization was Amanda nunes. In her last confrontation, the champion defended her belt against the Brazilian Taila Santos and won by split decision in the UFC 275.

First Mexican woman to fight for the belt, Alexa grasso will try to make his nation proud. With 15 wins and three losses in her career, the athlete triumphed in her last four fights for the company.