Alexa Grasso is honored to be the first Mexican woman to fight for the UFC title.
In the co-main event of UFC 285, Grasso is set to take on Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight title in an intriguing matchup. Shevchenko is coming off a split decision win in a fight she did not dominate as many expected, but she still is a sizeable favorite against Grasso.
Although Alexa Grasso is the betting underdog, she isn’t paying any attention to that, as instead, she says she is honored and happy to be the first Mexican woman to fight for the belt.
Alexa Grasso on the Achievement
“It’s beautiful,” Grasso told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked about the historic significance of her title fight. “The truth is that it’s so cool. I always put it as a goal to do things well, do things right, and that’s what we’re doing. For me, it’s really important to be able to open the door for all the Mexican women who are coming up behind us. It’s beautiful. I can’t deny that I’m very excited, happy to be a pioneer for my country and do important things along with my partners. I just want to do things well and win that title.”
Alexa Grasso is coming off four straight wins including beating Viviane Aruajo by decision in her first UFC main event. The Mexican is a perfect 4-0 in the UFC since moving up to women’s flyweight and plans to show all the Mexican woman on Saturday night that they too can become a UFC champ.
“Yeah, it’s funny. A lot of people would ask me in interviews, ‘What is Mexico missing so that the athletes can get ranked and be fighting for titles? What does Mexico need for the sport to grow?’” Grasso said. “I always told them it was a matter of time because the sport was basically new here in the country.”
“But now you look at the ones who are in the UFC and everyone is giving their best and training very hard, leaving their hearts each time they fight in the Octagon, and you can notice it. It makes me very happy to see my countrymen achieve their goals, show that it is possible. Yes, it’s hard and tough, but that’s anything you want to achieve in life. As long as you set goals, you stay disciplined, trust yourself, you can achieve anything.”
Alexa Grasso will have a tough matchup ahead of her when the octagon door closes against the flyweight queen in Valentina Shevchenko.
