Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko will make history in the co-main event of UFC 306 on Saturday, Sept. 14 when they become the first women in the UFC to take part in a trilogy fight. Their first meeting took place on March 4, 2023, when Grasso defeated the long-reigning champion with a shocking fourth-round submission. In their rematch, which took place in September 2023, the close fight went to the judges where a controversial scorecard ended the fight in a split draw. Now, they fight again to settle the score once and for all.
Here's what each co-main event fighter needs to do in the hopes of getting their hand raised on Saturday night.
Alexa Grasso's keys to victory
The first time the two met, Grasso got the better of the striking exchanges which means she should try to keep the fight on the feet. But she will need to look out for Shevchenko's kicks and make sure to defend them properly.
Neither woman has the luxury of going to the scorecards because we just don't know how close it could be. That means Grasso must give everything she has in the early rounds in hopes of securing a KO/TKO win before it gets to the danger zone.
Valentina Shevchenko's keys to victory
Don't get cocky
Shevchenko was champion a long time before Grasso came along and sometimes it feels like she thinks she deserves the title. That kind of mindset could hurt her if she doesn't give Grasso the respect she deserves. Confidence is key, but getting cocky is not. Shevchenko needs to earn this win and it could be the hardest fight she's ever fought.
Leg kicks
As we said above, Shevchenko has incredible leg kicks. She needs to pepper Grasso with them hard and early and make Grasso tired and sore. Grasso's power is in her hands, Shevchenko's is in her legs. She can use her leg kicks to keep Grasso at a distance, essentially cutting her off from her strength.
Finish the fight
Both women need a finish as we expect this to be a close fight. It wouldn't surprise me if Shevchenko could finish this fight similarly to how Grasso finished it in the first meeting. Either way, expect fireworks.