Alexa Grasso hopes she's back on the shortlist of title contenders.
Grasso (18-5-1 MMA, 10-5-1 UFC), a former UFC women's flyweight champion, picked up a unanimous decision win over top contender Manon Fiorot this past Saturday at Noche UFC in Glendale, Ariz. Now on a two-fight winning streak, Grasso hopes she's in consideration whenever the UFC matchmakers begin looking for the next title challenger at women's flyweight.
Valentina Shevchenko recently relinquished her title due to injury, thus making Natalia Silva vs. Wong Cong for the vacant belt in the main event of UFC 332 next month. Grasso will keep a close eye on the bout and will continue training in case the UFC comes calling in the near future.
"I'll be watching, of course," Grasso told
reporters during a post-fight news conference (h/t Cageside Press). "It's an important fight in my weight class, but I always keep training. I trust in my work, and when the time comes, I'll be ready."
Grasso is having a bit of a career renaissance. She lost her title to Shevchenko, and then followed up with a lopsided defeat to Silva. Many were discarding her chances of getting back to title contention, but a crazy KO over Maycee Barber, and now a decision win over Fiorot has put her back in the mix.
"I prepared very well," Grasso said. "I trusted in my team. Everything we did, the strategy, it worked. When everything is perfect, you feel just super confident in there."
Saturday's fight was the third time Grasso competed at Noche UFC – the promotion's annual event that celebrates Mexican Independence. She's also the only Mexico-born fighter to headline a Noche UFC. These cards hold a special place for Grasso, and she was reminded of that on Saturday.
"It's amazing. I love Noche UFC," Grasso said. "I love the crowd and how they give energy, and I value every person who comes here and supports us because it means a lot."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Alexa Grasso hopes Noche UFC win puts her back in title contention
