As fight fans gear up for the monumental Riyadh Season Noche UFC at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the excitement is palpable. With a lineup that promises fireworks, including a highly anticipated bantamweight title bout between Sean O’Malley and the relentless No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili, this event is poised to make history as the first combat sports showdown at the iconic Sphere.
But before the Octagon lights up this year, let’s dive into the unforgettable moments from last year’s Noche UFC event, UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2, where the action was nothing short of electrifying.
Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2: The Rivalry That Shook the Flyweight Division
Last year’s Noche UFC was headlined by one of the most anticipated rematches in recent memory: flyweight champion Alexa Grasso versus former long-reigning queen Valentina Shevchenko. Their first encounter at UFC 285 saw Grasso pull off a stunning upset, submitting Shevchenko in the fourth round with a neck crank that shocked the MMA world.
The rematch at Noche UFC was a high-stakes affair, with both fighters showcasing their elite skills. Grasso landed a critical knockdown in the second round, while Shevchenko displayed her grappling prowess with four takedowns and over eight minutes of control time. The fight was a razor-close battle that ended in a split draw, with the judges scoring it 48-47, 47-48, and 47-47, allowing Grasso to retain her title. As they prepare to settle their rivalry in a trilogy bout at Riyadh Season Noche UFC, fans are eagerly anticipating another epic clash.
Raul Rosas Jr.: A Star in the Making
One of the standout moments of last year’s Noche UFC came courtesy of Raul Rosas Jr., a young phenom who has quickly become a fan favorite. After a sensational debut in 2022, Rosas Jr. faced a setback in his second UFC appearance. Determined to bounce back, the 18-year-old returned to the Octagon with a vengeance against Terrence Mitchell at Noche UFC.
In a fight that lasted just 54 seconds, Rosas Jr. delivered a highlight-reel knockout, flooring Mitchell with a powerful left hand before finishing him with a barrage of strikes. The T-Mobile Arena erupted as Rosas Jr. secured his victory, cementing his status as one of the UFC’s brightest young stars. Fans can’t wait to see what he has in store when he kicks off the early prelims against Aoriqileng at this year’s Riyadh Season Noche UFC.
Prospects Who Shined: Cortez, Kopylov, and Zellhuber
Noche UFC wasn’t just about the big names; it was also a showcase for rising talent. Tracy Cortez, now ranked No. 12 in the flyweight division, extended her win streak to 11 with a dominant unanimous decision over Jasmine Jasudavicius. Roman Kopylov delivered a show-stopping body shot knockout against Josh Fremd, adding another highlight to his reel. Meanwhile, Loopy Godinez secured a second-round submission victory over Elise Reed, continuing her ascent in the strawweight division.
In the co-main event, Jack Della Maddalena faced the biggest test of his career against the always dangerous Kevin Holland. In a back-and-forth war, Della Maddalena emerged victorious via split decision, further solidifying his reputation as a future contender in the welterweight division.
Mexico’s Daniel Zellhuber also made a statement on the main card, earning a Performance of the Night bonus for his slick anaconda choke submission over Christos Giagos. Zellhuber, who is on a three-fight win streak, will look to continue his momentum at Riyadh Season Noche UFC when he faces Esteban Ribovics.
Don’t Miss the Action: Riyadh Season Noche UFC at The Sphere!
With last year’s Noche UFC setting the bar high, the upcoming Riyadh Season Noche UFC promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments. From the star-studded main event to the rising stars ready to make their mark, this is one fight card you won’t want to miss.
Tune in on September 14, 2024, for UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC, live from The Sphere in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 8pm ET/5pm PT, followed by the main card on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT. This is one event that will leave fight fans talking for years to come!