Alexa Grasso (born August 9, 1993) has etched her name in the history books of mixed martial arts as a formidable force in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s flyweight division. Hailing from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Grasso is not only a skilled fighter but also a symbol of perseverance and achievement for her country. She holds the distinction of being the first Mexican woman to win a UFC championship, a feat that has resonated deeply with fans and aspiring athletes across Mexico and beyond.
This article delves into the career of Alexa Grasso, exploring her journey from her early days in MMA to becoming a UFC champion and a top contender in the flyweight division. We will examine her fighting style, key victories, championship reign, and her recent endeavors in the octagon, while also addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about her.
Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts
Born into a family with a strong martial arts background, Alexa Grasso’s path to professional fighting seemed almost predestined. Her father and uncle, Francisco Grasso, were both involved in combat sports, which exposed her to the world of martial arts from a young age. Initially, her training began casually, learning shadow boxing from her father. However, it was the experience of attending classes with her uncle Francisco that ignited her passion for the sport.
The Grasso family further solidified their involvement in martial arts by opening their own gym, Lobo Gym MMA, in Guadalajara. Alexa played an active role in the gym’s operations, assisting with reception and cleaning. It was within this environment that her competitive spirit truly blossomed. A pivotal moment came when she and fellow future UFC fighter Irene Aldana participated in a national Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament, both securing first-place finishes. This victory fueled Alexa’s desire to compete and experience the thrill of standing on the podium.
Early MMA Career and Invicta FC
Alexa Grasso embarked on her professional MMA journey in December 2012 in her native Mexico. The initial phase of her career saw her establish an impressive undefeated record of 5 wins and 0 losses within the first eighteen months. Her victories were a testament to her well-rounded skillset, with 3 coming by way of TKO and 2 by decision.
Her burgeoning talent soon caught the attention of Invicta Fighting Championships, a prominent all-female MMA promotion. Grasso made her Invicta FC debut and quickly made a name for herself. Notably, her fight against Mizuki Inoue in February 2015 was a thrilling contest that earned “Fight of the Month” honors from MMAJunkie.com and “Fight of the Night” recognition from Invicta FC. Another significant victory in Invicta FC came against Jodie Esquibel, where Grasso showcased her finishing ability and earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus. Her time in Invicta FC was crucial in honing her skills and gaining valuable experience on a larger stage, preparing her for the ultimate challenge: the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Career
In 2016, Alexa Grasso made her highly anticipated debut in the UFC. Her arrival marked a significant moment for Mexican MMA and the women’s flyweight division.
Move Up to Flyweight
Initially competing in the strawweight division (115 lbs), Grasso later made the strategic move up to the flyweight division (125 lbs). This transition proved to be a pivotal point in her career, allowing her to compete in a weight class that better suited her natural frame and power.
UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion
The pinnacle of Alexa Grasso’s career arrived at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Facing the seemingly invincible and long-reigning UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko, Grasso pulled off one of the most significant upsets in UFC history. In a stunning turn of events, Grasso submitted Shevchenko via a face crank in the fourth round, capturing the championship title. This victory not only marked a personal triumph but also cemented her legacy as the first Mexican woman to hold a UFC title.
The significance of this achievement was immense, resonating deeply with the Mexican MMA community and inspiring a new generation of female fighters. Grasso’s composure, skill, and determination in the face of a dominant champion were widely lauded.
Post-Championship Career and Trilogy with Shevchenko
Following her historic title win, a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko was inevitable. The two faced each other again at Noche UFC on September 16, 2023. This highly anticipated fight ended in a split draw, allowing Grasso to retain her championship. The closely contested bout further solidified the rivalry between the two elite flyweights.
The trilogy concluded at UFC 306 on September 14, 2024, where Shevchenko and Grasso clashed for the third time. In a hard-fought battle, Shevchenko reclaimed the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship via a unanimous decision. Despite the loss, Grasso’s resilience and competitive spirit were evident throughout the five-round affair.
Recent Fight Against Natalia Silva
Most recently, Alexa Grasso faced the surging Brazilian contender Natalia Silva at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In a three-round contest, Silva emerged victorious via a unanimous decision. This fight was Grasso’s first since losing the title to Shevchenko and marked a new chapter in her journey to potentially regain the championship.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Alexa Grasso is known for her well-rounded fighting style, combining crisp boxing skills with a developing ground game. Her striking is characterized by accurate combinations, good footwork, and a solid jab. She has shown a willingness to engage in technical striking battles and has the ability to control the pace of a fight on her feet.
Over her career, Grasso has also demonstrated improvements in her grappling and submission defense. Her victory over Valentina Shevchenko, a highly skilled grappler, via submission was a testament to her evolving ground game and fight IQ. She holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, indicating a solid foundation in grappling techniques.
Key Achievements and Recognition
Former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion: Grasso held the title after her victory at UFC 285.
First Mexican Woman to Win a UFC Championship: This historic achievement has made her a national icon.
Performance of the Night: Awarded for her submission victory over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285.
Fight of the Night: Awarded for her bout against Carla Esparza.
Invicta FC Accolades: “Fight of the Night” vs. Mizuki Inoue and “Performance of the Night” vs. Jodie Esquibel.
Multiple “Fighter of the Year” Awards (2023): Recognized by various MMA media outlets for her championship-winning year.
“Submission of the Year” Awards (2023): For her victory over Valentina Shevchenko.
UFC Honors Awards Nominee (2023): Nominated for “President’s Choice Performance of the Year” for her fight against Valentina Shevchenko.
FAQs
Who is Alexa Grasso?
Alexa Grasso, born Karen Alexa Grasso Montes on August 9, 1993, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the Women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is notable for being the first Mexican woman to win a UFC championship title.
What is Alexa Grasso’s MMA record?
As of May 2025, Alexa Grasso holds a professional MMA record of 16 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. Her victories include 4 by knockout, 2 by submission, and 10 by decision.
When did Alexa Grasso become the UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion?
Alexa Grasso captured the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship on March 4, 2023, at UFC 285 by defeating Valentina Shevchenko via submission. This victory marked a historic moment as she became the first Mexican woman to win a UFC title.
What happened in Alexa Grasso’s recent fights?
In her most recent bout on May 10, 2025, at UFC 315, Alexa Grasso faced Natalia Silva and lost via unanimous decision. Prior to that, she had a trilogy of fights against Valentina Shevchenko, resulting in a win, a draw, and a loss.
What is Alexa Grasso’s fighting style and training background?
Alexa Grasso fights out of Lobo Gym MMA in Guadalajara, Mexico. She holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has trained under Francisco Grasso and Diego Lopes.
What are Alexa Grasso’s physical stats?
Alexa Grasso stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and competes at 125 pounds in the Flyweight division. She has a reach of 66 inches.
What is Alexa Grasso’s current UFC ranking?
As of May 13, 2025, Alexa Grasso is ranked #3 in the UFC Women’s Flyweight division and #5 in the UFC Women’s Pound-for-Pound rankings.
What is Alexa Grasso’s presence on social media?
Alexa Grasso is active on Instagram under the handle @alexa_grasso, where she shares updates about her training, fights, and personal life.
What are Alexa Grasso’s future plans in the UFC?
Following her recent loss to Natalia Silva, Alexa Grasso does not currently have a scheduled fight. Potential future opponents could include top contenders like Manon Fiorot or Erin Blanchfield.
How has Alexa Grasso contributed to Mexican representation in the UFC?
Alexa Grasso’s achievements have significantly contributed to the representation of Mexican athletes in the UFC. Her historic title win and subsequent performances have inspired many in her home country and highlighted the growing prominence of Mexican fighters in the sport.
To conclude
Alexa Grasso’s journey in the UFC has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. Her historic win as the first Mexican woman to secure a UFC championship has paved the way for greater representation and inspiration for aspiring fighters from Mexico. Despite recent setbacks, including her loss to Natalia Silva, Grasso remains a prominent figure in the Women’s Flyweight division. Her resilience and dedication to the sport continue to resonate with fans worldwide. As she looks ahead to future opportunities, Grasso’s impact on the UFC and her role as a trailblazer for Mexican athletes remain undeniable.
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