Sunday Morning Open Mats at Evolution Grappling Academy are a training staple of the week for many local grapplers. The weekly Open Mat features some of the best training in the region. On average, roughly 60-70 grappler’s of assorted ranks, from a variety of different teams, affiliations and regions find themselves on the mats at EGA for the Sunday session. From one Sunday to the next, you never know just who may stop in.
It was to our pleasant surprise to have current UFC Fighter, Women’s MMA Pioneer, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt, ‘The Happy Warrior’ Roxanne Modafferi drop-in for some great training. Roxanne, is fresh off the heels of a victory over the previously undefeated Maycee Marber at UFC 246. The gritty veteran overcame 9-1 odds as an underdog, to defeat the favorite Barber by unanimous decision. Just a few weeks back, Roxanne was promoted to the rank of Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by former UFC Fighter and excellent grappler, Evan Dunham.
Roxanne Modafferi visits Evolution Grappling Academy
Roxanne is a pioneer of Women’s MMA, having first fought professionally in 2003. Roxanne became a huge fan favorite when she was a contestant on ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Team Ronda Rousey vs Team Miesha Tate’. Going into that show, Roxanne had made her debut 4 years before Coach Miesha Tate, and 8 years before opposing Coach Ronda Rousey.
Sharing the mats with Roxanne was a real pleasure for all of the students of Evolution Grappling Academy. Having such an experienced Martial Artist, and inspirational individual work with all of our students regardless of their rank or age, is a highlight of their Jiu Jitsu experience they will never forget.
7 yr old Phenom M.J. was lucky enough to get some rolls in with Roxanne
We are honored that Roxanne chose Evolution Grappling Academy as her place to train before heading back home to Las Vegas, where she lives and trains. We look forward to cheering for Roxanne in her next UFC Fight in a few months.