In the Clinch: Can Grasso Fend Off Araújo? UFC Vegas 62 – The UFC returns to action with a women’s flyweight contender clash at The Apex in Las Vegas Saturday.
Former Invicta FC phenom and No. 5 Alexa Grasso (14-3-0), 29, will battle No. 6 Brazilian Viviane Araújo (11-3-0), 35, in the main event which should prove to be a technical battle for five rounds.
The fight was originally scheduled in August, but visa issues for Grasso postponed the fight.
Grasso comes into the bout on a bit of a roll. She’s won three straight fights, including her first submission victory in her last fight against Joanne Wood earlier in March.
Meanwhile, Araújo comes in with three wins in her last four contests. Her last victory was particularly impressive, as she was knocked down early by Andrea Lee and came back to win the unanimous decision. The lone loss was to top striker and No. 1 
contender Katlyn Chookagian, so I expect to see some improved standup from Araújo on Saturday.
Some fans have been wondering about a potential rematch between champion Valentina Shevchenko and No. 2 Talia Santos. Although the fight was in June, it seems like it’s been much longer than that. While Santos gave Shevchenko her most competitive fight in years, she may have to face Chookagian or someone like the winner of Grasso and Araújo to earn another crack.
Grasso has the advantage on paper as the younger fighter with the better striking. Araújo gets the nod if the fight goes to the ground, but both fighters have shown they can hold their own everywhere. That is why I think this fight will go the distance.
Both fighters have plenty of octagon experience so it could come down to who can capitalize on a mistake. We saw BJJ wizard Mackenzie Dern frustrated on the ground and overcome by striker Yan Xiaonan in a strawweight battle a few short weeks ago.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Grasso and Araújo.
In the Clinch: Can Grasso Fend Off Araújo? UFC Vegas 62 – More Resources
Alexa Grasso
Viviane Araújo
In the Clinch: Can Grasso Fend Off Araújo? UFC Vegas 62 – Image Gallery
Alexa Grasso
Viviane Araújo
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