Grasso Stuns Barber With Knockout, Cormier Calls for Shevchenko Rematch

Former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso earns impressive victory, setting up potential fourth fight with Valentina Shevchenko.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A vibrant, energetic painting using bold brushstrokes and neon colors to capture the explosive knockout finish of Alexa Grasso's victory over Maycee Barber, conceptually representing the raw power and intensity of their UFC fight.Alexa Grasso's stunning knockout victory over Maycee Barber at UFC Fight Night 271 has earned her another shot at flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.Seattle Today

In the main event of UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle, Alexa Grasso (17-5-1) knocked out Maycee Barber (15-3) in spectacular fashion, snapping Barber's seven-fight winning streak. The former flyweight champion dropped Barber with a powerful left hand and then quickly jumped on her neck for a rear-naked choke, though the fight was ruled a knockout since Barber was already unconscious. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier was in awe of the finish, calling it the 'finish of the year' and saying Grasso proved she is a 'great boxer' when healthy.

Why it matters

Grasso's dominant win over the previously surging Barber has reignited calls for a fourth fight between Grasso and current UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who holds a 2-1 advantage in their championship fight series. Cormier believes Grasso has earned another shot at Shevchenko after this impressive performance.

The details

In the main event at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle, Alexa Grasso landed a devastating left hand that dropped Maycee Barber. Grasso then quickly jumped on Barber's back and locked in a rear-naked choke, though the fight was ruled a knockout since Barber was already unconscious when the submission attempt occurred. The finish left both UFC president Dana White and analyst Daniel Cormier in awe, with Cormier calling it the 'finish of the year' and praising Grasso's boxing skills when healthy.

  • The fight took place on Saturday, March 30, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle, Washington.

The players

Alexa Grasso

A former UFC flyweight title challenger who earned an impressive knockout victory over Maycee Barber at UFC Fight Night 271, reigniting calls for a fourth fight against current champion Valentina Shevchenko.

Maycee Barber

A rising UFC flyweight contender who entered UFC Fight Night 271 on a seven-fight winning streak, but was shockingly knocked out by Alexa Grasso in the main event.

Valentina Shevchenko

The reigning UFC flyweight champion, who holds a 2-1 advantage over Alexa Grasso in their championship fight series.

Daniel Cormier

A former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who now works as a commentator and analyst for the promotion.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who was also impressed by Grasso's knockout finish of Barber.

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What they’re saying

“Alexa Grasso fought like the champion that we remember. She's a great boxer. She said she's been injured in these last couple of fights. She said if she's healthy, she's hell on wheels, and tonight she proved that. She not only did away with Barber's win streak, it was violent.”

— Daniel Cormier, UFC Commentator

“Watching her land that left hand that put her down and how quickly she jumped on that rear-naked choke – Dana White told me, and I agree, this is the finish of the year. Before Maycee was even able to fall backwards flat, Alexa was choking her out, and Barber laid on the ground for a good five minutes before they were able to move her because she was so out of it. That was amazing.”

— Daniel Cormier, UFC Commentator

What’s next

With Grasso's impressive victory over Barber, a fourth fight between Grasso and UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko appears to be the next logical step. Cormier believes Grasso has earned another shot at the title after this performance.

The takeaway

Alexa Grasso's stunning knockout of the previously surging Maycee Barber has reignited calls for a fourth fight between Grasso and UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso's dominant display has proven she is a top contender when healthy, and she may now be the next challenger for Shevchenko's title.