Grasso v Shevchenko betting picks & preview – UFC Fight Night

The women’s flyweight title will be on the line when defending champion Alexa Grasso squares off against former champ Valentina Shevchenko at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas this weekend. As most UFC title bouts are available only via pay-per-view channels, this is a real treat for fight fans. Read on to see our fight preview and free UFC betting picks for this must-watch main event.

Grasso v Shevchenko main event preview

Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko

Alexa Grasso (16-3-0) scored an upset win via face-crank submission in this matchup back in March to grab the women’s flyweight title. The win was no fluke, and the Mexican had built a solid four-fight winning streak leading up to the victory. Grasso is a gritty competitor who possesses a strong striking arsenal and a complete set of grappling skills.

Grasso should enjoy a psychological edge for the rematch. Despite holding the belt, the 30-year-old enters as a slight underdog as the top UFC betting sites are yet to be convinced of her champion status. A win here will silence the critics and make believers of the remaining Grasso doubters.

Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-0) will need to rediscover her mojo if she hopes to wrest back her lost UFC silverware. The 35-year-old appeared slower and duller in the first matchup after a seven-fight reign over the women’s 125-pound division. Like all champions attempting to rebound from a surprise loss, Shevchenko’s mental game will be under intense scrutiny.

As seen with the defeat of Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, dethroned champions can be exposed to a range of mental frailties. Although Adesanya was able to win back his title with a KO win over Alex Pereira, the former champ looked badly shaken at his next outing at UFC 293 and ultimately relinquished the belt again, this time to Sean Strickland. Doubt was evident on Adesanya’s face as it became clear his once-dominant aura was no more.

We have seen a similar slump afflict former champs Ronda Rousey and Connor McGregor, and it remains to be seen if Shevchenko is made of sterner stuff. She faces the twin challenges of dented confidence and an ageing body, so the question is: have the UFC bookmakers got their prices wrong?

Alexa Grasso v Valentina Shevchenko fight predictions

We are sticking with Grasso. She is younger and fresher, and she was impressive in the first matchup. Unless Shevchenko can find another gear, she may be ground down again by the relentless attacking style of the Mexican. All champions are eventually overtaken by the pursuing pack of contenders, and Shevchenko might be nearing retirement age after carving out a long and decorated martial arts career.

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