At 21 years of age, most young adults are uncertain of what their future holds.
Not Mexico’s Alexa Grasso.
The strawweight, who carries an unblemished record of 5-0, made her Invicta Fighting Championships debut in September and bested Ashley Cummins by decision. That experience was a life-changing event for the fighter.
“It was a shock wave; it was amazing,” described Grasso. “I was very excited to fight. So many times I dreamed of that day.”
Success in her first Invicta appearance, along with her early career triumphs, prompted Grasso to re-evaluate her career path.
“After my fourth fight, which was pretty hard, it made me wonder if [fighting] was really what I wanted,” admitted Grasso. “The days after [the fight], I had a beautiful feeling which made me realize that this is what I want.”
Once her mind was clear regarding her fighting career, Grasso took things a step further.
“I decided to pause my studies,” revealed Grasso. “I am in a very important part of my career as a fighter and I really want to put all my attention and efforts into my preparation.”
Instead of balancing homework with training sessions, the Lobo Gym product now finds herself following the same path many of her family members have already gone down inside the boxing ring.
“My family has been a very important part in my life as a fighter,” she explained. “They know exactly what it’s like being on a diet, they know how the body feels after hard workouts and they are always attentive to my needs for my preparation. They understand the passion that is felt being a fighter.”
So why did Grasso choose to blaze her own trail in the cage instead of the ring?
“Boxing is great and I love it, but I think it makes me a very complete fighter to use my whole body to finish my fights compared to only my fists,” said the Guadalajara-based fighter.
Under the tutelage of her uncle and father, Grasso has compiled a record that includes three sub-minute knockouts. She’ll return to action at Invicta FC 10 on Friday, Dec. 5, in Houston. Across the cage will be native Texan Alida Gray, who also possesses three career wins with her fists.
“I think she is an excellent fighter,” proclaimed Grasso of her opponent. “This will be a great show. I hope everybody can watch it on UFC Fight Pass.”
Although Grasso is still very young, she and her Lobo Gym teammate, bantamweight Irene Aldana, are already captivating Mexican fight fans with their talent. The pair both scored wins at Invicta FC 8 and will look to do so again in Houston.
“It was a very big achievement for both of us,” recalled Grasso of their September victories. “It was very important because we showed that there are also good-quality fighters in Mexico.
“We have all eyes on our performances. Invicta is the most important MMA league for women, and it makes me proud to be part of the event.”
If Grasso is able to get past Gray on Dec. 5, her perfect record will undoubtedly land her in title talk at 115 pounds.
“As a fighter, I should be ready for any opportunity that comes my way,” she declared. “So if I have the opportunity to fight for a title, it’s something I cannot let go.
“It would fulfill one of my biggest goals. That’s why I train so hard every day.”
With her country and her family in her corner, Grasso’s hopes for victory—and one day a championship belt—may soon be a reality.
“I do this because I love it. I really believe that when you do things with heart and enjoy them, wishes come true.”
[Ed. Note: This interview first appeared on InvictaFC.com]