Alexa Grasso makes flyweight debut against Ji Yeon Kim at UFC Austin

Photo Credit: Brandon Magnus - Zuffa LLC & UFC

Former UFC strawweight challenger, Alexa Grasso will be making her move up a division on June 27th. as she takes on South Korea contender, Ji 'Fire Fist' Yeon Kim in a 125-pound matchup.

The 26-year-old striker was expected to clash with former strawweight title challenger, Cláudia Gadelha at UFC 246 in January - until a botched weight-cut forced the Guadalajara native off the card as she tipped the scales at 121.5-pounds. Grasso immediately informed the UFC of her intentions to move to flyweight as a result of the weigh-in mishap. June will also bring a close to a lengthy layoff for Kim, who was forced out of her UFC Fight Night Busan matchup with Sabina Mazo due to injury. News of the pairing was initially reported by MMA DNA reporter, Marcel Dorff.

Striking prospect, Grasso, has experienced mixed success in the Octagon since her bow back at the tail end of 2016. The Lobo Gym trainee has scored three wins and three defeats. Grasso had joined the promotion as an undefeated prospect, holding wins over Mizuki Inoue, and Jodie Esquibel of note. The counter-puncher managed a promotional debut win over Heather Jo Clark, before wins over Randa Markos, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz were sandwiched between extremely close decision losses to Felice Herrig and former champion, Carla Esparza.

Inchon native, Ji Yeon Kim is hoping to extend her winning streak to two fights, following a knockout win over Nadia Kassem at UFC 243 last October. Similarly to Grasso, Kim has experienced some hot and cold form with the promotion - landing three wins and two losses. The former bantamweight joined the organization's ranks back in 2017, losing to Lucie Pudilova and Antonina Shevchenko in between wins over Justine kish, Melinda Fábián.

UFC Fight Night Austin takes place on June 28th. from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas - and features a flyweight pairing of former Pancrase strawweight best, Viviane Araújo, and former Invicta FC flyweight champion, Jennifer Maia.

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