Mexico's Love for the UFC

A sport that has captured attention in Mexico for a long time. It seems like the UFC has come to stay, this Saturday in Mexico City, another function of the popular sport of mixed martial arts will take place, where two fighters from Jalisco will make an appearance.

Alvaro Herrera and Alexa Grasso are two fighters who have trained at home, away from the spotlight. In a small gym located near the Periferico ring, at the Vallarta Avenue, they practice along with 15 other practitioners of the discipline, distinctions do not exist, everyone is treated equally.

Grasso is going for her third fight in the circuit of mixed martial arts. In her debut, she won by fighting in the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, but in her last fight in the United States in February of this year, she lost to Felice Herrig.

"It hurt a lot, no one likes to lose, but I learned a lot about myself, about what I am capable of, about what I need to improve, about what I can and should do, what I will do this Saturday. Things will be different this time, I don't know if I will win or lose, but my performance will be three times better this time."

The feeling of fighting in front of her people is something she wouldn't trade for anything. She hopes to repeat the performance she had in November 2016 when she won by unanimous decision against Heather Jo Clark. It may be something that does not have a logical explanation, but it is perceived.

"You feel the energy and love of the people as you walk. I love fighting in Mexico City, I don't know if it is cosmic, but when I was in uncomfortable positions, you feel that support."

For her, the responsibility of being the face of Mexico to the world in a sport like this implies a very large responsibility, as she knows that this way doors will open for future generations.

"I am very happy that we can be the representative faces of our country, but it is also a great responsibility. You have to do things well and leave doors open for those who come. You are the representation letter, the main face of what Mexico shows in the UFC. It is a huge responsibility."

No longer wild fights

Alvaro Herrera is also relatively new in the UFC circuit. He has made his career in other companies, but the opportunity in the biggest of all presented itself in 2015. He has already had the opportunity to fight in Monterrey and hopes that the atmosphere will be the same in the capital of the country.

"My first fight was in Monterrey, I know what it is like to experience a UFC event in Mexico. The energy, the support, I am sure that the good vibes from Mexicans won't be missing."

The openness that the sport has had can be attributed to the fact that people have understood that mixed martial arts is more than just punches, kicks, and blood. "El Chango" highlights that the promotion given to events like this Saturday's UFC Fight Night has contributed to that.

"It is the fastest growing sport in the world, in Mexico it is gaining recognition thanks to the promotion. People are realizing that it is not just wild fights, they see technique, preparation, and what it takes to be there. That has also helped us to open more doors."

For people like him, it is easy to notice the change and acceptance that exists, as it used to be uncommon for people to gather in bars or restaurants to watch the fights.

"I see the change in the fact that people now know what MMA is. They ask about the UFC, they know the sport. In the events, you see people in bars who go to watch the fights, and that helps to generate more support for the athletes," he concluded.

SRN