The UFC is set to mark Mexican Independence Day this Saturday with a special event, Noche UFC, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
This weekend's highly anticipated event is a tribute to the rich legacy of Latin American combat sports stars. The main event will showcase Alexa Grasso as she goes head-to-head with Valentina Shevchenko in a rematch for the UFC women's flyweight title. Additionally, the fight card includes numerous Mexican athletes and fighters with Mexican heritage, making it a celebration of their contributions to the sport.
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso Preview
Earlier this year, Alexa Grasso sent shockwaves through the MMA world by submitting Valentina Shevchenko to capture the flyweight championship. Now, the stage is set for a highly anticipated rematch, as Grasso seeks to defend her title while Shevchenko aims to reclaim her former glory.
Grasso's victory in March marked her fifth consecutive win since moving to the 125-pound weight class, showcasing her opportunistic and well-prepared fighting style. In their initial encounter, she capitalized on Shevchenko's spinning back kick attempt, swiftly seizing control and forcing her opponent to defend before securing the submission victory.
Although Shevchenko faced adversity in the opening round of their first bout, she dominated the second and third rounds and appeared to be cruising to victory in the fourth before an unexpected turn of events. She had reigned supreme in the division since December 2018, rarely encountering challenges. Notably, her two most recent fights were her most competitive title defenses, culminating in her first loss in the UFC's flyweight division.
What makes this immediate rematch intriguing is the opportunity to unravel the mysteries surrounding the dynamics of their initial encounter. Fans and pundits alike are eager to understand why the first fight unfolded as it did. Additionally, the rematch will shed light on how Grasso adapts to her role as the defending champion and how her time with the title has influenced her. It also offers insight into how Shevchenko responds to her first loss in an extended period, adding layers of intrigue to this highly anticipated showdown.
Kevin Holland vs. Jack Della Maddalena Preview
Kevin Holland answered the call to face Jack Della Maddalena when the Australian fighter found himself in need of an opponent. Now, with both fighters coming off recent wins, these ranked welterweights are set to collide in an exciting showdown.
In July, the 30-year-old Holland showcased his skills with a first-round submission victory over Michael Chiesa at UFC 291. He executed a flawless D’Arce choke in the opening stanza, securing his second consecutive stoppage win. This victory improved his welterweight record to an impressive 4-1 since making the weight class transition at the beginning of last year.
Della Maddalena faced a tough challenge in his last outing against short-notice replacement Bassil Hafez. Despite the added adversity, the rising Perth contender maintained his perfect Octagon record and extended his winning streak to an impressive 15 fights by earning a split decision victory. A win this Saturday would place him alongside Kamaru Usman and Ian Machado Garry as one of only three UFC welterweights to start their careers with six or more consecutive wins.
Both Holland and Della Maddalena share a genuine passion for fighting, promising an exciting matchup this weekend. Although they currently occupy spots in the lower portion of the Top 15 rankings, both fighters display significant potential. The victor of this bout is poised to face an opponent with a single-digit ranking in their next outing, setting the stage for a thrilling contest in the welterweight division.
Noche UFC Full Fight Card
Prelim Matches:
Noche UFC India Time and Channel | How to watch Noche UFC
The Noche UFC preliminary card begins at 4:30 AM IST (Sunday, September 17), and the main card commences at 7:30 AM IST (Sunday, September 17). To watch Noche UFC 2023 in India, tune in to the live broadcast on Sony Sports TEN 2 and Sony Sports TEN 3 channels. Alternatively, you can stream the main card live on the Sony LIV app or website, but a subscription is required.
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