UFC Vegas 8: Grasso vs Kim: Glory Awaits

Tale of the Tape

Alexa Grasso’s History

Grasso enjoyed a very successful MMA career prior to joining the UFC. She began her career fighting in Mexico and quickly caught the eyes of Invicta FC after winning four straight fights. She followed that up with four more consecutive wins, culminating in headlining her own Invicta FC card. After eight wins in a row to start her career, Grasso was signed to the UFC in 2016.

Grasso’s debut took place in her native Mexico and she won by unanimous decision over Heather Clark. She followed that up with a unanimous decision loss to Felice Herrig. Next, she defeated Randa Markos by split decision. After that, she lost to Tatiana Suarez by rear naked choke. Grasso then defeated Karolina Kowalkiewicz by unanimous decision before losing to Carla Esparza by majority decision in her last fight. Can Grasso return to her winning ways against Ji Yeon Kim?

Ji Yeon Kim’s History

Kim had an interesting start to her MMA career. Her first two MMA fights resulted in draws. She followed that up with six straight wins before making her UFC debut in 2017. Kim’s UFC debut definitely did not go as she hoped, as she lost by unanimous decision to Lucie Pudilová. Since then, she followed that loss up with three wins in her last four fights inside the UFC.

Kim defeated Justine Kish and Melinda Fábián by split decision before losing to Antonina Shevchenko by unanimous decision. As previously mentioned, in her most recent fight in the UFC, Kim defeated Nadia Kassem in the second round, moments before the bell rang. She hit Kassem with a barrage of shots, culminating in a few hard shots to the body that caused Kassem to crumble to the ground. Can “Fire Fist” follow up that impressive performance with another one against Alexa Grasso?

Grasso vs Kim Prediction

There are a lot of similarities between these two fighters. These two are experienced strikers that can end this fight on the feet at any point. They both have enjoyed an up and down UFC career thus far and will be looking to make a statement with a big win. In addition to that, both have had issues making weight in the past. This is especially true for Grasso, as her most recent weight mishap was the catalyst for her decision to move up to flyweight. If this fight stays on the feet, this one could go either way. However, I think this fight will end on the ground, where Kim has a big advantage.

Grasso vs Kim Result: Ji Yeon Kim defeats Alexa Grasso by armbar in the third round.

Kim shows off her purple belt in BJJ and gets the win by armbar in the third round. I think both women will put up a very impressive performance. Grasso will hold her own for most of the fight, even winning the first round by keeping the fight standing. However, in the second round is when Kim will start to take over. She gets a takedown early and smothers Grasso for most of the second round. In the third round, Kim comes out fast and gets Grasso down quickly. She gets to work and sets up the armbar flawlessly. Within seconds, Grasso is tapping and Kim is getting her hand raised, victorious once again.

Don’t think this is how the fight will go down?! Let us know your prediction for Alexa Grasso vs Ji Yeon Kim in the comments below!

Follow me on Twitter @jefflswartz2 for more MMA news and discussions. Also, make sure to follow @OT_Heroics for all of your sporting needs. Don’t forget @MMA_OTH for all things MMA.

Come discuss this and much more at the Overtime Heroics forums!