Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko have different expectations regarding the theme of the upcoming UFC 306 card.
UFC 306 is planned as a unique event taking place at The Sphere on September 14, two days before Mexican Independence Day. UFC began the tradition of holding a card celebrating Mexican Independence Day at Noche UFC this September. UFC 306 is expected to have a similar theme, although Shevchenko recently insisted it has no connection to Mexican Independence Day whatsoever. Shevchenko believes the event will be planned around The Sphere.
“From what I understand, there is talk of Spheres, but it’s not Mexican Independence Day. [themed] “The focus will be on The Sphere,” Shevchenko told MMAjunkie.com, “The focus will be on UFC 306. It’s like Mexican Independence Day, and it’s a few days before the event, so it has nothing to do with Mexican Independence Day. It’s a completely different event, a completely different location, a completely different day. It’s close, but it’s different.”
But Grasso, who is expected to fight Shevchenko three times in a row on that card, claims to be unaware of any such change of theme.
“Well, as far as I’m concerned, it’s going to be Noche UFC again,” Grasso told MMAjunkie.com. “I’ve seen some interviews with Dana White and he says it’s a love letter to Mexican Independence Day, to Mexican fighters. I had a really great experience with Noche UFC last year, and it’s going to break records for ESPN and UFC Fight Pass. So, as far as I’m concerned, it’s going to be 100% dedicated to Mexican Independence Day.”
Grasso defended the belt against Shevchenko at UFC Noche last year in a controversial split draw. Shevchenko later opined that a bizarre 10-8 scorecard in Grasso’s favor from referee Mike Bell led to a draw because the event was themed around Mexican fighters. “Bullet” has since expressed some reluctance to take part in another card with such connotations. However, Grasso is open to taking part in the card no matter who the opponent is.
“I want to be a part of that event, whether it’s Valentina; [Manon] “Against Fiorot, or whoever,” Grasso said, “I’m just preparing. I’ve been working a lot on all disciplines. I’m training every day. I’ve got 100% from my hands, and I’ve been in fight camp. So, I’m ready. I just want to fight on that day. I really, really want to fight on that day. I’ll be ready for that day and I’ll be stronger than ever.”
