The UFC returns to Mexico with a card full of Mexican fighters

Two of them are from Guadalajara and are currently training in their hometown before the big night that will take place on August 5th in Mexico City.

Alexa Grasso and Álvaro Herrera want to shine in front of their compatriots, as they know that it is the perfect opportunity to continue opening doors in a sport that has gained more attention over the years compared to previous years in our country.

Grasso is going for her third fight in the company. She comes from a loss against Felice Herrig and wants to show what she has learned since then. In her UFC debut in November 2016, precisely in Mexico City, she came out victorious. She dreams of repeating history, this time against Randa Markos.

"I am very happy to fight in Mexico again. I really like the energy of the people. I am super excited. The preparation has been the same as in my other camps, except that we focused more on jiu-jitsu and wrestling since the girl I'm facing is more skilled in that style."

The way Mexicans support is unparalleled, she comments. It is indescribable. It was perhaps the boost she lacked in the UFC Night Fight in February, which took place in Texas, where she fell to Herrig.

"I love fighting in Mexico. You feel the energy, the love when you walk, unlike in Houston. When I was walking, I didn't really feel it, maybe it's a cosmic thing, but in Mexico, there was that energy from the people, the vibe; they wanted me to win."

Herrera, on the other hand, is going for his first experience in the lightweight division. The preparation has been special because his team doesn't want to give anything away. They understand that dropping from the 170 pounds he's used to can affect his performance.

"I had talked to my coaches and my training team about moving down. It's a good option. I have a good nutritionist helping me with the weight cut. I won't have a problem making weight. I've been working on it for months to avoid feeling weakened or losing power."

Jordan Rinaldi will be "Chango"'s opponent on the night of August 5th. He is originally from the United States and lost in his UFC debut in May 2016 against Abel Trujillo. Álvaro assured that he has thoroughly studied his opponent's weaknesses and strengths. He is even prepared in case the fight goes to the ground at some point.

"I've watched some videos. He likes to exchange strikes, but his strength is the ground game. In all his fights, he tries to take it to the ground. He has some signature submissions, and we are trying to find those positions to be prepared if the fight ends up there," he concluded.