Karen Alexa Grasso Montes (born August 9, 1993) is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC women’s flyweight division. Hailing from Guadalajara, Jalisco, she turned pro in December 2012 and quickly made a name for herself with an undefeated 5–0 start on the Mexican circuit before signing with the UFC in 2016.
Grasso captured global attention when she stunned longtime champion Valentina Shevchenko by submission at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, becoming the second Mexican—and first Mexican woman—to claim a UFC title. Her blend of technical striking, high fight IQ, and relentless work rate has made her one of the division’s most compelling athletes.
Image: PelucheEn ElEstuche, Alexa Grasso 2023 01, CC BY 3.0
What the Fighter Is Known For
Grasso is celebrated for her precise, high-volume striking and ever-improving grappling—qualities underscored by her brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She pairs a crisp boxing foundation with dynamic takedown defense, making her a difficult puzzle to solve both on the feet and in clinch exchanges.
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Key Stats
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Full Name: Karen Alexa Grasso Montes
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Born: August 9, 1993 (age 31)
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Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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Weight Class: Flyweight (125 lb)
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Reach: 66 in (168 cm)
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Team: Lobo Gym MMA
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Rank: Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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Years Active: 2012–present
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Pro MMA Record: 16–4–1 (4 KO, 2 Sub, 10 Dec wins; 1 Sub, 3 Dec losses; 1 Draw)
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Championships & Rankings: Former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion; as of Sept 17, 2024 ranked #1 Flyweight and #3 pound-for-pound
Career Highlights
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Pro Debut & Early Run: Won her first five pro bouts in Mexico (3 TKO, 2 Dec) before moving on to Invicta and the UFC.
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UFC Debut (Nov 5, 2016): Defeated Heather Jo Clark by unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale.
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Fight of the Night (Sept 21, 2019): Earned Fight of the Night honors despite a majority decision loss to Carla Esparza at UFC on ESPN+17.
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Title Win (Mar 4, 2023): Submitted Valentina Shevchenko in the fourth round to capture the UFC Women’s Flyweight belt at UFC 285.
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First Title Defense (Sept 16, 2023): Battled Shevchenko to a split draw at Noche UFC, retaining her championship.
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Title Loss (Sept 14, 2024): Valentina Shevchenko reclaimed the flyweight title via unanimous decision in their trilogy bout at UFC 306.
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Concluding Thoughts
From an undefeated regional standout to a history-making UFC champion, Alexa Grasso’s journey showcases her relentless evolution as a mixed martial artist. Her technical striking, solid jiu-jitsu base, and championship experience have earned her a place among the sport’s elite. As she regroupes from her title loss, the 31-year-old remains a fixture at the top of the flyweight division and a model of perseverance for a new generation of Mexican fighters.
For more on the UFC’s top female talent, check out Top 7 UFC’s Hottest Female Fighters Today.