It’s set to be a huge weekend for combat sports, with Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez's fight and UFC 306, where Alexa Grasso will face Valentina Shevchenko for the third time in one of the most anticipated bouts, with the 125-pound title on the line.

When is Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko?

Prepare for a colossal fight this Saturday, September 14, at The Sphere—the first sporting event ever held in this venue.

How is Alexa Grasso heading into the fight?

The Mexican fighter returns to the octagon after nearly a year of inactivity. The current Flyweight champion will look to successfully defend her title against Shevchenko from Kyrgyzstan, reminding fans that Grasso shocked the world by submitting Shevchenko with a rear-naked choke at UFC 285 to take the belt.

It’s worth noting that the second bout between Grasso and Shevchenko on September 16, 2023, ended in a draw, allowing the Mexican fighter to retain her title.

This UFC 306 fight can be seen as a tiebreaker in the trilogy, with a victory potentially solidifying Grasso’s status in the division and expanding her legacy in combat sports as a representative of Mexico.

Prediction for Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko

This isn’t an easy fight to predict, as both fighters have shown they can adapt to any situation. However, the key to victory may lie in Grasso’s ability to stay calm and execute her game plan, one that must be flawless against Shevchenko.

If the Mexican can neutralize Shevchenko’s wrestling and land significant strikes, she stands a good chance of retaining her title. On the other hand, Shevchenko’s ability to make tactical adjustments could lead her to regain the crown, though it’s sure to be a hard-fought battle.

FINAL PREDICTION: Alexa Grasso by decision