Controversy: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Schevchenko Ends in Bizarre Draw at Noche UFC

Timothy James

September 17, 2023

Alexa Grasso retains her UFC flyweight title after a split draw against Valentina Shevchenko

The trilogy seems inevitable – just don’t let Mike Bell be a judge.

The main event of Noche UFC was everything fans could have asked for – an instant classic between two of the best women’s flyweight fighters on the planet. It was a back-and-forth affair, with both Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko having their moments. However, the final decision left fans, fighters, and analysts scratching their heads.

#AndStill flyweight world champ, @AlexaGrasso! 🏆🇲🇽

She retains her title after a split draw with Valentina Shevchenko at #NocheUFC

[ B2YB @HSpecialSurgery ] pic.twitter.com/orWjK6zSCk

— UFC (@ufc) September 17, 2023

The fight ended in a split draw – a relatively rare occurrence in MMA and an even rarer occurrence in a championship fight. On the surface, a draw might not seem like the worst decision. It was a tightly contested, highly competitive fight. Grasso knocked Schevchenko down in round 2, Schevchenko nearly submitted Grasso in round 3. It was a back-and-forth affair all night.

However, the controversy surrounded how judge Mike Bell scored the fifth round – a 10-8 for Grasso.

How about these Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Schevchenko scorecards? Mike Bell gave Grasso a 10-8 in the fifth round. #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/YkvviGnLNH

— InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) September 17, 2023

That ended up being the difference, as a 10-9 would have resulted in Shevchenko winning 48-47 on 2 of the scorecards. It left a bad taste in some people’s mouth – while the judging criteria was loosened to encourage more 10-8 rounds, not many people thought the final round of Noche UFC constituted one.

Shevchenko was in control for most of the round before committing a mistake that lead to Grasso taking her back and fishing for the rear-naked choke finish, reminiscent of their first fight. However, Schevchenko defended and the fight ended.

It was a bizarre conclusion to an otherwise sensational event. The inaugural Noche UFC was a night of fights for the history books – with many fans itching at the bit to watch Grasso and Shevchenko go at it again.

MMA Twitter Reacts to Controversial Decision at Noche UFC

Mike Bell has had an absolute mare. Gives Grasso a 10-8 in the fifth. If he hadn’t, Valentina Shevchenko regains the championship. Great fight, spoiled.

— Lewis Simpson (@LewisSimpsonMMA) September 17, 2023

I don't like this 10-8 round from Mike Bell in Round 5. This is one of the best judges in MMA but that is a very weird scorecard. #NocheUFC

— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) September 17, 2023

Mike Bell gave Grasso a 10-8 Round 5? That's…. really bad. Like, really bad!

— Mike Heck (@MikeHeck_JR) September 17, 2023

Here are the scorecards for Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2.

Mike Bell scored the fifth round 10-8 in favor of Grasso, causing the split draw. Insane if you ask me. #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/4quXtYmUGM

— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) September 17, 2023

A 10-8 round 5????? From Mike Bell? What in the hell is that. Maybe his handwriting just sucks. #UFCNoche

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 17, 2023

Sorry that's just a bad decision.
Mike Bell deserves grief after scoring that 10-8 for Alexa Grasso in R5. If that's the criteria where was the same 10-8 for Shevcheno with the guillotine choke in R3? Terrible #NocheUFC pic.twitter.com/LoWjR1OE0U

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) September 17, 2023

Mike bell wild af 😂

— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) September 17, 2023

Mike Bell moments before ruining a UFC title fight pic.twitter.com/ejk6BIFh0I

— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) September 17, 2023

Let’s send it over to Mike Bell to get his thoughts on why he thought that was a 10-8.

Mike, take it away! pic.twitter.com/13eJMnfbfm

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 17, 2023