Nastiest KO Of UFC Seattle Has Dana White Saying 'It Was One Of The Greatest Finishes In History'
· Yahoo Sports
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: UFC CEO and President Dana White speaks during the UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Visit h-doctor.club for more information.
Zuffa LLCHIGHLIGHTS
- Dana White's reaction to this finish may surprise you.
- The former champion sent a message that the entire flyweight division heard.
- One fighter may need extended time away from the Octagon after what happened.
Alexa Grasso destroyed Maycee Barber in a way that delivered excitement, admiration and pure fear for those who watched it. UFC President Dana White called it "one of the greatest finishes in the history of the sport."
On Saturday night in Seattle, Grasso scored an electric first-round KO win over Barber with a 1-2 combination that knocked the latter out cold before she hit the mat.
Almost as quick as Barber's stunned body hit the canvas, Grasso was locking in a rear-naked choke that would have ended the fight even if the punch hadn't already sealed the deal. For those who missed it, here's the KO.
Also, here is White's post-event presser.
What Did Dana White Say About the Finish?
There's been a ton of great finishes in UFC history, but I'd definitely say this was the nastiest one I've ever seen in a women's fight. White didn't hold back at the post-fight presser.
"I think it’s one of the greatest finishes in the sport's history, let alone this year or tonight or whatever," White told reporters at Climate Pledge Arena. Grasso earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the effort.
What Happened in the Fight?
The stoppage came at 2:42 of the first round. Referee Mike Beltran called it a KO, not a submission, because the punch had already ended the fight before the choke was locked in.
Barber lay motionless on the canvas for over a minute after the stoppage.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 28: Maycee Barber reacts after a loss against Alexa Grasso of Mexico in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Climate Pledge Arena on March 28, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLCShe eventually recovered enough to share an embrace with Grasso during the official announcement. Yahoo Sports called it a strong contender for Knockout of the Year.
Why Is This Significant for Grasso?
This is a statement win for Grasso and she needed it on the heels of a losing effort in her trilogy with Valentina Shevchenko. She hadn't won a fight since submitting Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023 -- a span of over three years.
Grasso (16-5-1) went 1-1-1 in the Shevchenko trilogy and dropped a decision to Natalia Silva at UFC 315 last May. Ending Barber's seven-fight winning streak in this fashion puts Grasso back in the conversation at 125 pounds.
What's Next for Both Fighters?
Grasso needs a couple of wins before she should be allowed to challenge for the title again -- at least if Shevchenko is still the champion. Barber will likely need some time away from the Octagon. That's the kind of KO loss that changes a person.
Grasso told reporters post-fight that she wants a fourth fight with Shevchenko, per MMA Junkie. Barber (15-3) had been on the best run of her career before Saturday. Things can change quickly in combat sports.