Alexa Grasso’s career in the UFC has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. From her early days as a rising star in Invicta to becoming the UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion, Grasso has demonstrated a relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of her career
Her contributions to the sport, both as a fighter and an analyst, have made her one of the most respected figures in MMA today.
With her future in the UFC looking promising, Alexa Grasso’s legacy as a pioneer for Mexican fighters and a champion in the sport is firmly established.
As of 2024, UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso has made a significant name for herself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Hailing from Mexico, she has not only climbed the ranks in the UFC but also grown her financial worth along the way.
Her journey from being an aspiring fighter to the UFC champion has been nothing short of remarkable, and her net worth reflects her success in the sport.
Also Read: Alexa Grasso Responds to Title Loss Against Valentina Shevchenko in Social Media Statement
Table of Contents
Alexa Grasso: Bio
Karen Alexa Grasso Montes, commonly known as Alexa Grasso, is a prominent Mexican mixed martial artist who has made waves in the world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).1
Born on August 9, 1993, in Guadalajara, Mexico, she competes in the women’s Flyweight division of the UFC, where she is recognized as a former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.
Her talents extend beyond the octagon, as she also serves as a UFC analyst for UFC Español, contributing to Spanish-language broadcasts of UFC events. Grasso’s dedication to the sport and her analytical prowess have solidified her place among the elite fighters in the UFC.
As of June 20, 2023, she holds the top spot in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to her remarkable skill and versatility.
Staking my claim, ready to reign @stake 🩷 pic.twitter.com/InMxSqdqif
— alexa grasso (@AlexaGrasso) September 1, 2024
Early Life and Background
Alexa Grasso’s journey into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) began at a young age. Born and raised in Guadalajara, she grew up in a sports-loving family that encouraged her to pursue athletics.
Initially, Grasso’s passion for martial arts was nurtured by practicing boxing, which would later become a foundational element of her fighting style. Her interest in MMA blossomed during her teenage years when she started training in various disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai.
In Mexico, MMA was not as prominent as it is today, and female fighters faced even more challenges in gaining recognition. However, Grasso’s determination and love for the sport drove her to pursue a career in MMA.
After rigorous training and honing her skills in local gyms, she quickly developed into a skilled fighter, drawing attention from fans and promoters alike. Her early passion and hard work set the stage for her remarkable rise in the UFC.
Alexa Grasso: Career
Career Beginnings in MMA
Alexa Grasso’s professional MMA debut came in 2012 when she began competing in local Mexican promotions.2
Her crisp striking, fueled by her boxing background, and rapidly improving grappling skills made her a tough opponent from the outset. Grasso’s early fights were marked by her aggressive style and ability to control the pace of the match, attributes that would become her trademarks as she progressed in her career.
In 2014, Grasso caught the attention of Invicta Fighting Championships, one of the premier organizations for women’s MMA. Her entry into Invicta marked the beginning of her journey on the international stage.
Over the next few years, she accumulated an impressive record in the promotion, with several standout performances that showcased her evolving skill set. Grasso’s ability to adapt to different fighting styles and her relentless work ethic helped her rise through the ranks quickly.
Transition to the UFC
Alexa Grasso’s success in Invicta eventually caught the eye of UFC executives, and in 2016, she signed with the UFC, making her debut in the Strawweight division.
Her entry into the UFC was highly anticipated by fans who had followed her career in Invicta, and she did not disappoint. In her UFC debut, Grasso faced Heather Jo Clark in November 2016 and secured a unanimous decision victory.
This win not only established her presence in the UFC but also demonstrated her potential to become a future star in the organization.
However, the transition to the UFC brought new challenges. The competition was tougher, and Grasso found herself up against some of the best fighters in the world. While she had early success, including victories over fighters like Randa Markos, she also experienced setbacks.
Losses to top-tier opponents such as Felice Herrig and Tatiana Suarez forced Grasso to reflect on her approach and seek areas for improvement.
Reinvention in the Flyweight Division
After experiencing mixed results in the Strawweight division, Alexa Grasso made a strategic decision to move up to the Flyweight division in 2020. The move proved to be a turning point in her career.
Competing at 125 pounds allowed Grasso to fight at a more natural weight, reducing the strain of weight cuts and enhancing her overall performance inside the octagon.
In her Flyweight debut, Grasso faced Ji Yeon Kim in August 2020, securing a dominant unanimous decision victory.
The fight showcased her improved cardio, striking accuracy, and overall composure in the octagon. The move to Flyweight revitalized Grasso’s career and reignited her ambitions of becoming a UFC champion.
Following her debut in the Flyweight division, Grasso continued her winning streak with victories over notable opponents such as Maycee Barber and Joanne Calderwood.
Each performance demonstrated Grasso’s evolution as a fighter, as she refined her striking techniques and incorporated more grappling into her game plan.
Championship Glory: Winning the UFC Women’s Flyweight Title
One of the most significant moments in Alexa Grasso’s career came in March 2023 when she faced the dominant UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion, Valentina Shevchenko, at UFC 285.
Shevchenko had been widely regarded as one of the best female fighters in UFC history, and many believed she would continue her reign as champion. However, Grasso had other plans.
In a stunning upset, Alexa Grasso defeated Shevchenko via submission in the fourth round, becoming the new UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. The victory not only cemented Grasso’s place in UFC history but also marked a changing of the guard in the Flyweight division.
Her submission win over Shevchenko highlighted her growing grappling skills and ability to capitalize on her opponent’s mistakes.
Grasso’s victory was celebrated in Mexico and the broader MMA community, as she became the first Mexican woman to hold a UFC championship. Her achievement resonated with fans, inspiring a new generation of fighters and raising the profile of Mexican MMA on the global stage.
Analytical Role: UFC Español
In addition to her accomplishments as a fighter, Alexa Grasso has also taken on the role of a UFC analyst for UFC Español, where she provides expert commentary and analysis for Spanish-language broadcasts of UFC events.
This role allows Grasso to share her insights and understanding of the sport with a broader audience, particularly Spanish-speaking fans.
Grasso’s analytical role is a testament to her deep knowledge of MMA and her ability to break down fights with precision and clarity. As a current fighter, her perspective is particularly valuable, as she can offer firsthand insights into the strategies and techniques employed by fighters in the octagon.
Her contributions to UFC Español have been widely praised, and she has become a respected voice in the MMA community, both as a fighter and as an analyst.
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Alexa Grasso: Legacy
Alexa Grasso’s rise to prominence in the UFC has had a significant impact on the sport of MMA, particularly in Mexico and Latin America.
As one of the few Mexican fighters to achieve championship status in the UFC, Grasso has become a trailblazer for aspiring fighters in her home country.
Her success has helped raise awareness of MMA in Mexico and has inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue careers in the sport.
Grasso’s fighting style, characterized by her crisp striking and ever-improving grappling, has also earned her the respect of fans and fighters alike. She is known for her discipline, work ethic, and ability to adapt her game plan based on her opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
Her journey from a local fighter in Guadalajara to a UFC champion is a testament to her perseverance and dedication to her craft.
Impact on MMA
As of 2023, Alexa Grasso is at the peak of her career, with the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship under her belt and a top ranking in the women’s pound-for-pound division.
Her future in the UFC looks bright, with potential title defenses and high-profile matchups on the horizon. Grasso’s evolution as a fighter suggests that she is far from finished making her mark on the sport.
In addition to her in-cage success, Grasso’s analytical work and growing popularity continue to expand her influence beyond the octagon.
She has become a role model for young fighters, particularly women, who aspire to compete at the highest levels of MMA. Grasso’s journey is far from over, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this talented and determined fighter.
Alexa Grasso: Net Worth in 2024
Estimated Net Worth: $1–3 Million
Alexa Grasso’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. This wealth has been accumulated through a combination of fight purses, bonuses, sponsorship deals, and endorsements.
Grasso’s rise to the top in the UFC has made her one of the most prominent figures in the women’s flyweight division, which has helped boost her earnings.
Her growing popularity, coupled with impressive performances in the octagon, has ensured that she remains one of the top-paid athletes in women’s MMA.
Primary Source of Income: UFC Salary
Grasso’s primary income comes from competing in the UFC, where she takes home a hefty sum for each fight. Her salary per fight is estimated to be around $500,000. This figure typically includes base pay, performance bonuses, and other fight-related incentives.
A highlight of Grasso’s financial success came from her highly anticipated bout against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285, which earned her a base pay of $500,000.
This fight not only solidified her status as one of the elite fighters in the division but also contributed significantly to her earnings.
Notable Fights and Payouts
Throughout her UFC career, Grasso has been involved in numerous high-profile fights, each contributing to her growing net worth. Some of her notable bouts include matches against top-tier fighters in the women’s flyweight and strawweight divisions.
Her fight purses vary based on the level of competition, the fight’s significance, and any performance bonuses she may receive for exceptional performances in the octagon.
Here’s a look at some of her significant fights and earnings:
- Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285: Grasso’s win over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285 is undoubtedly one of the highest-grossing moments in her career. Apart from her base salary of $500,000, Grasso likely earned additional bonuses for her victory and for capturing the UFC Flyweight Championship. Given the attention surrounding this fight, she may have also received a performance bonus for defeating one of the most dominant female champions in UFC history.
- Alexa Grasso vs. Joanne Calderwood at UFC Fight Night 205: Another important bout in Grasso’s career was her victory over Joanne Calderwood (Wood), where she earned a significant purse. While her base salary for this fight was lower than in her championship bout, the win propelled her further up the flyweight rankings, setting her up for future financial success.
- Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber at UFC 258: Grasso’s victory over rising star Maycee Barber at UFC 258 also contributed to her earnings. Though the exact figures for this fight are not widely available, it’s safe to assume that Grasso’s paydays have increased as her profile in the UFC has grown.
Performance and Fight Night Bonuses
In addition to her base salary, Alexa Grasso earns money through various UFC bonuses. The UFC awards “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses to fighters who deliver outstanding performances during events.
Each of these bonuses typically amounts to $50,000. Given Grasso’s skillset and her ability to entertain fans with her striking and well-rounded game, she has likely earned multiple bonuses throughout her career.
As an exciting fighter who often goes the distance or secures decisive wins, Grasso is in a prime position to earn these extra paydays. Her high-energy fighting style and technical prowess make her a fan favorite, which only increases her chances of earning performance-related bonuses.
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Endorsements and Sponsorships
Outside of the octagon, Alexa Grasso supplements her UFC earnings with endorsements and sponsorships. As a high-profile athlete, she is in a position to sign deals with various brands that align with her image as a strong, determined fighter. These endorsements come from companies within the fitness, apparel, nutrition, and health industries.
Although specific endorsement deals for Grasso are not always publicly disclosed, it’s common for top-tier UFC fighters to earn significant income from sponsorships.
In Grasso’s case, her status as a UFC champion, combined with her Mexican heritage, makes her an attractive prospect for companies seeking to target both the global MMA audience and the Latino market.
Growing Popularity and Marketability
Grasso’s popularity has grown tremendously since she began her professional MMA career. Her move from the strawweight division to the flyweight division has allowed her to find success, and her rise to championship status has only added to her marketability.
As the UFC continues to expand its global reach, Grasso’s appeal, especially in Latin America and among Spanish-speaking fans, has become a significant factor in her growing earnings.
Her calm demeanor, skillful striking, and impressive technique in the octagon have made her a respected figure in the MMA world. Additionally, as one of the few Mexican champions in UFC history, she carries a unique appeal that boosts her visibility and earning potential.
