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Women’s Flyweights

Alexa Grasso (11-3) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (9-2-2)

ODDS: Grasso (-320), Kim (+260)

When Grasso made her UFC debut in late 2016, it was obvious from the jump that the promotion saw her as a potential Mexican star. Paige VanZant was considered more of a promotional success around that time, and the UFC looked set to follow the same blueprint for moving her up the ladder, right down to matching her with Felice Herrig in her second bout inside the Octagon. However, the UFC’s best-laid plans went awry after Herrig delivered a decision victory, which kicked off a run for Grasso that has been equal parts promising and frustrating. When Grasso can key in on her boxing game, it is absolutely beautiful to watch, but her combination of tunnel vision and mid-tier athleticism has meant that things can quickly go off the rails. Quicker opponents have traditionally given her issues, especially when they can mix in some wrestling. Grasso is fine in that department, but she got absolutely blown out on the mat by Tatiana Suarez and lost her last fight via narrow decision to Carla Esparza. After some issues on the scale, this fight marks Grasso’s full-time move to flyweight, and it is an interesting gambit. Grasso may still have trouble against physical grinders, but the hope is that her speed can make her boxing even more effective. To that end, Kim represents a forgiving first matchup for Grasso in her new division. Kim throws aggressively, but she is not particularly creative or dynamic on the feet, which has historically been the type of opponent that Grasso can pick apart without much issue. While the Korean fighter will have the much larger frame, that has not translated to much success in the wrestling department. Kim did not separate herself much as a physical force against Antonina Shevchenko and Nadia Kassem, both of whom can typically be overwhelmed by grapplers. Kim is a skilled enough fighter, but if Grasso cannot get the job done easily, it is a bad omen going forward. The pick is Grasso via clear decision.

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