LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Inside the Dolores Huerta Resource Center in North Las Vegas Wednesday, dozens of kids gathered for a rare opportunity to hear from UFC’s biggest stars.
Fighters who once dreamed like them, now champions, shared what it took to get there.
“I just wanted to let them know, especially for the girls, to be able to do whatever they want,” said Alexa Grasso, UFC fighter.
Grasso, along with UFC fighters David Martinez, and Ronaldo Rodriguez spoke to the younger generation about what it takes to be a professional athlete.
“I know that when you’re young, you will always have dreams and like to try to achieve the most as you can to do it. Sometimes life is not good and it’s hard, but you have to keep pursuing that dream,” Grasso said.
The goal of the event was to show children that success is not only about fighting in the octagon but also about perseverance and discipline.
“My hope is that they see that it’s not just fighting that they do, it’s more behind the scenes, the perseverance, the losing, the mental game that they have to play and battle in order to get to the space that they’re at,” said community services engagement director, Wilson Ramos.
For Grasso, the first Mexican woman to become a UFC champion, inspiring young Latinos is personal.
“For the Hispanic community right now, it’s like keep your faith, keep strong, I know there are tough times, but it’s good, it’s good too, because it makes you braver and makes you tougher,” she said.
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