Alexa Grasso made a perfect start to her UFC career at UFC Fight Night 98 last night. The Mexican earned a unanimous decision win in front of her home crowd over veteran Heather Jo Clark.
Grasso (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) looked calm and relaxed on her debut and began to pick Clark apart from the start bloodying the American early in the first round. A failed takedown attempt by Clark gave Grasso her opening and she showed little hesitation as she cornered her opponent before unloading with a flurry of punches.
As the fighters headed back to their corners Clark explained to head coach Robert Follis that she was struggling with her vision. Grasso continued her dominance in the second round securing and then landing multiple punches from the clinch. The 35 year old managed to survive the round and even secure a takedown late on.
Despite Clark being the more aggressive fighter it was clear it was Grasso who was landing the more effective strikes. The debutant looked to have taken her foot off the gas in the final round but removed any doubt to who was in control of the fight securing a takedown of her own late in the round.
The judges returned with their scorecards reading 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 all in favour of the Mexican.
