Alexa Grasso’s journey to becoming a UFC champion began long before she stepped into the octagon. As a young martial artist in Guadalajara, Mexico, Grasso honed her skills across multiple disciplines, including jiu-jitsu.
Her dedication paid off early when she competed in and won first place at a national jiu-jitsu tournament organized by her father and uncle. This victory foreshadowed the success that was to come in her professional mixed martial arts career.
Grasso’s jiu-jitsu prowess has been a key component of her style throughout her UFC tenure. In May 2023, shortly after capturing the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship, Grasso was awarded her brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Delta Martial Arts Academy.
The academy celebrated Grasso’s achievement, posting a photo of her proudly wearing her new brown belt. This promotion recognized not only her technical skill but also her championship-level application of jiu-jitsu techniques in MMA competition.
Grasso’s grappling abilities have been on full display in several of her most memorable UFC victories. Her submission wins, in particular, have showcased her versatility on the ground and ability to capitalize on dominant positions.
Perhaps no moment better exemplified Grasso’s jiu-jitsu skills than her title-winning performance against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285. After years of preparation and study, Grasso was able to take Shevchenko’s back following a spinning technique and secure a face crank submission to claim the championship.
That victory was the culmination of a martial arts journey that began in childhood, nurtured by a family deeply involved in combat sports. Grasso’s early exposure to kickboxing, taekwondo, and jiu-jitsu laid the foundation for her well-rounded skillset.
At the UFC 306 press conference, Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko faced off ahead of their historic trilogy bout at Noche UFC. Grasso (16-3-1 MMA) will defend her women’s flyweight title against Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA) in the first women’s trilogy match in UFC history. With the series currently favoring Grasso 1-0-1, she aims to finalize her dominance. The match, which is the co-main event at Sphere, promises high tension as both prepare for a decisive clash.
