UFC 306: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko keys to victory

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

Check the kicks

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. 

Remain on the feet

As we said above, Grasso should rely on her boxing to outpoint Shevchenko round for round. We don't suggest taking the fight to the judges since it didn't pay off last time but that could happen and racking up the points early could make a decision win that much more secure. 

Finish the fight early

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.