LAS VEGAS – UFC brings an action-packed card to T-Mobile Arena to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a thrilling flyweight championship rematch between champion Alexa Grasso and No. 1 contender Valentina Shevchenko. The co-main event will see No. 6 ranked welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov take on Kelvin Gastelum.
A great tradition in combat sports is to hold big fights on September 16, and this year UFC is honoring its fans and fighters from Mexican communities with an inaugural Noche UFC event. In addition to the incredible fights, the fight week celebration will include a UFC Fan Experience, special appearances, community activities, commemorative merchandise, and much more.
“Mexican fans are some of the biggest and most passionate fans in all of combat sports,” said UFC president Dana White. “For years, I’ve wanted to truly honor their love for the athletes and the sport by bringing an incredible UFC event with Mexican athletes. It’s happening this year and we are bringing a MASSIVE Mexican card to Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day. This card will be headlined by our Mexican champion in an insane rematch, and it will be stacked from top to bottom with the best Mexican athletes in the world. Let me tell you something – I cannot wait for this event!”
“Noche UFC: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2” takes place Saturday, September 16 in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+. The prelims will start at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET.
“Noche UFC: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2” tickets are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight per person.
Mexico’s own Grasso (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) sets out for her first title defense against the woman she took the belt from in March. The elite flyweight has secured notable wins against Maycee Barber, Viviane Araujo and Joanne Wood and now intends to defeat former champion Shevchenko for a second time to cement her place as the best flyweight in the world.
Longtime resident of Peru, Shevchenko (23-4 MMA, 12-3 UFC) aims to recapture the flyweight title and become a two-time champion at 125 pounds. A Master of Sport in taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing and muay Thai, Shevchenko has claimed highlight-reel victories over Lauren Murphy, Jessica Andrade and Katlyn Chookagian. The Kyrgyzstan fighter steps back inside the octagon more motivated than ever as she looks for redemption against Grasso.
Undefeated welterweight Rakhmonov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) looks to further his climb up the rankings by delivering another impressive performance. A Master of Sport in combat sambo and MMA, he has delivered memorable wins against Geoff Neal, Neil Magny and Carlston Harris. Rakhmonov aims on keeping his 100 percent finish rate intact as he squares off with former middleweight title challenger Gastelum.
Mexican-American Gastelum (18-8 MMA, 12-8 UFC) is determined to secure back-to-back wins as he takes on a rising contender. A decade-long octagon veteran, Gastelum has defeated Chris Curtis, Ronaldo Souza, and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. The Arizona-native is determined to break Rakhmonov’s perfect record and insert his name in the title picture at 170 pounds.
Athletes of Mexican descent on the card include the following:
- Anthony Hernandez (11-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) collides with Chris Curtis (30-10 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in a high-stakes bout set for the middleweight division
- Loopy Godinez (10-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) battles Sam Hughes (8-5 MMA, 3-4 UFC) at strawweight
- Edgar Chairez (10-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) squares off with Daniel Lacerda (11-5 MMA, 0-4 UFC) at flyweight
- Cynthia Calvillo (9-6-1 MMA, 6-6-1 UFC) returns to the octagon and faces Elise Reed (7-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at 115 pounds
- Tracy Cortez (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) faces Jasmine Jasudavicius (9-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) in an exciting flyweight matchup
