

When Alexa Grasso steps into the Octagon, she carries more than just her ambition. She brings her roots, her story, and the fiery pride of an entire nation. Fans see her fierce jabs and slick submissions like the one she pulled off against Valentina Shevchenko to become the UFC women’s flyweight champion at UFC 285.
But what lies beneath the gloves and grit? Where does this warrior come from? What values guide her? And who helped sculpt the champion we see today? Let’s take a look at the origins of Alexa Grasso and the people who helped her along the way!
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Where is Alexa Grasso from? Ethnicity and nationality
Grasso was born on the 9th of August, 1993, in Guadalajara, a city in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Needless to say, the flyweight fighter has proudly raised the Mexican flag on her shoulders with her performance in the Octagon. On top of that, she was the first female mixed martial artist from Mexico to ever become a champion in the UFC.
It was indeed a commendable feat as she claimed the flyweight championship title by defeating the formidable Valentina Shevchenko via a rear-naked choke. However, the Mexican fighter’s next bout against Shevchenko was ruled a no-contest.
For the unversed, Grasso trains pretty hard with fellow Mexican and recent featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes and strengthens her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu muscles with the hard-hitting 145-pounder.
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Referring to Grasso’s performance against Shevchenko at UFC 285, Lopes said, “In all her fights, she’s thrown spinning kicks. The mastermind behind all of this has been Pancho. He doesn’t even sleep, analyzing every detail, every second of the fight, to give us the best material for us to work with. It’s been a team effort, but the main credit goes to Pancho. He’s the one that saw that opening and that opportunity.”
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Does Alexa Grasso's Mexican heritage give her an edge in the UFC? What do you think?
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But fighting isn’t the only thing where Grasso shines as a Mexican. She has also taken up the role of a UFC analyst for UFC Español’s Spanish broadcasts. The 31-year-old flyweight has been setting things straight and climbing the ladder to the top with great finesse and pride in her Mexican heritage.
Which religion does Alexa Grasso follow?
Religion often acts as a quiet compass for many athletes. For Alexa Grasso, Christianity has seemingly played that role.
Though she hasn’t spoken extensively about her faith, multiple biographical sources list her as a Christian. Raised in Guadalajara, Grasso has always shown grace, humility, and discipline, traits often rooted in religious teachings.
Inside and outside the cage, she embodies sportsmanship. Her calm presence, even in the face of chaos, hints at something deeper guiding her path. But she’s never used her faith as a spotlight, just as a quiet strength. And her parents played a major role in molding her into the fighter that she is today.
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Who are Grasso’s mother and father? Family, uncle, and more
Behind every fighter is a foundation. For Grasso, that starts with family. Her father, Luis Grasso, introduced her to martial arts. Though little is publicly known about him, one thing’s for sure: He passed down his love for combat. The former champion once revealed, “I used to watch my uncle Francisco Grasso training and teaching. My dad taught me shadow boxing one day, and afterward I tried a class with Francisco, and it was really nice.”
That “Francisco”? He’s none other than Francisco ‘Pancho’ Grasso, her uncle, mentor, and coach. ‘Pancho’ isn’t just family. He’s the architect behind her evolution. He breaks down every fight of hers frame by frame, sharpening her weapons.
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As mentioned by Diego Lopes above, it’s not just a team effort. It’s a family legacy. Grasso’s brother has also trained in martial arts, making it clear the family definitely has a fighting heritage. In the end, whether she’s analyzing fights for UFC Español or going to war inside the cage, Alexa Grasso never forgets where she came from.
Her journey continues at UFC 315, where she’ll be taking on Natalia Silva. This time, it’s about reclaiming pride, honoring her roots, and reminding the world that a champion’s spirit doesn’t fade with a title, it grows fiercer. Will Alexa Grasso rise again towards the gold once more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Does Alexa Grasso's Mexican heritage give her an edge in the UFC? What do you think?