Valentina Shevchenko Contradicts Dana White on UFC 306 Mexican Independence Day Theme

UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has recently made statements that challenge UFC CEO Dana White's previous claims about the theme of UFC 306. Scheduled for September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Shevchenko suggests the event may not be centered around Mexican Independence Day, as White had indicated.

Shevchenko commented, 'It's my understanding that there is talk about Sphere, but it is not Mexican Independence Day... It's going to be focused on the Sphere. It's going to be focusing on UFC 306. Mexican Independence Day is a few days before the event is happening, so it's nothing related to Mexican Independence Day.' This statement directly contradicts White's earlier assertions that the event would be a 'love letter' to Mexican fighters and a celebration of the holiday.

Alexa Grasso, the current UFC women's flyweight champion and Shevchenko's expected opponent for a trilogy bout at UFC 306, expressed her confusion over Shevchenko's remarks. Grasso stated, 'As far as I know, it's going to be Noche UFC again. I've seen a few interviews from Dana White, and he is saying it's a love letter for the Mexican Independence Day, for the Mexican fighters, and he had a really, really good experience last year with Noche UFC.'

Grasso and Shevchenko have a significant history in the octagon. Grasso claimed the title from Shevchenko in March 2023 at UFC 285 in a major upset. Their rematch at Noche UFC in September 2023 ended in a split draw, allowing Grasso to retain her title. The anticipation for their trilogy bout at UFC 306 is high, as it would mark the first trilogy in women's UFC history.

Despite the confusion surrounding the event's theme, Grasso remains focused on her preparation. 'I'm just preparing a lot, every area. I'm training every single day. I'm in fight camp since I got 100 percent from my hand. I'm just ready,' she said. Grasso is determined to fight at UFC 306, regardless of whether Shevchenko is her opponent.

The two fighters have also been involved in coaching on Season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter, which debuts on ESPN and ESPN+ on Tuesday. This adds another layer of interest to their rivalry, as both women aim to showcase their coaching skills and prepare their teams for success.

While Shevchenko's statements have stirred some uncertainty, the official theme and details of UFC 306 remain to be confirmed. Fans eagerly await further announcements from the UFC to clarify whether the event will indeed celebrate Mexican Independence Day or focus solely on the venue and the fights.

The upcoming UFC 306 event promises to be a significant moment in the sport, with high stakes for both Shevchenko and Grasso. Regardless of the theme, the anticipation for their trilogy bout and the outcomes of other fights on the card will undoubtedly draw considerable attention from MMA fans worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Valentina Shevchenko claims UFC 306 won't be themed around Mexican Independence Day, contradicting Dana White.
• Alexa Grasso expresses confusion over Shevchenko's remarks, citing Dana White's previous statements.
• Shevchenko and Grasso are expected to face off in a trilogy bout at UFC 306, marking the first in women's UFC history.
• Grasso remains focused on preparation, training daily for the upcoming fight.
• The official theme and details of UFC 306 remain to be confirmed by the UFC.