'Crossing my fingers for that': Alexa Grasso wants history-making trilogy scrap against Valentina Shevchenko

Grasso recently threw the first pitch at the San Diego Padres vs. Toronto Blue Jays game at Petco Park.. Backstage, she told The Schmo about the UFC’s first women’s trilogy bout against Shevchenko in an ecstatic segment. Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) recently coached TUF: Season 32 along with her opponent. Filming and pre-production are already done, and the duo will face each other after it premieres on June 4.

Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena were originally set for the first women’s trilogy of UFC in June last year. Pena, however, withdrew, and Nunes later called quits on her run. They also coached The Ultimate Fighter, headlining season 30. Despite its popularity, The “Sphere” is not suitable to host combat sports stints; hence, the one-time show at UFC 306 – for Mexican Independence Day is expected to shatter expectations. As such, Grasso wants in on the action.

Alexa Grasso reveals biggest takeaway from TUF: Season 32

Alexa Grasso will look to put a stamp on her rivalry with Valentina Shevchenko in their next bout. The second coming of their fateful clash saw a controversial discourse ending in a draw. She’ll look forward to rectifying that. Meanwhile, Grasso coached Season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC).

During a recent sitdown, she reiterated her biggest takeaway was from the experience. She expressed joy about learning about the coaching duties on TUF.

Doing The Ultimate Fighter was amazing, I learned a lot, ...more about being a coach because often as an athlete we think that the coaches are making us do this and that, but once you have the opportunity to give advice and say to someone what to do, what not to do...There was a day where I just hugged my coaches and I was crying like, ‘Hey thank you so much for everything you do for us and for me’ because it’s really cool to be a coach... Alexa Grasso to The Schmo via the Schmozone Podcast (@theschmo312)

Grasso trains at Lobo Gym MMA in Guadalajara, Mexico where her uncle Franciso Grasso teaches. She mentioned understanding the rigors of facing hardships from a coach and how they transition to a better outcome in the end.

With the season expected to run weekly for 12 episodes, the duo could meet right after. This could be the Noche UFC card at the Sphere in Las Vegas – one that the Mexican staple would love. With names like Sean O’Malley, Merab Dvalishvili, and others campaigning for a main event slot, Grasso knows she might not be favored for a headliner. However, she will remain a major co-main event attraction and wishes to take all her experiences to battle.