Leah Letson discovered an unexpected passion for mixed martial arts while at 51ÁÔÆæ. Now, the 2016 grad is preparing for her UFC debut. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
Coming to 51ÁÔÆæ from Janesville, Wisconsin, Letson found a way to stay active in her new home through 51ÁÔÆæ Sport and Recreation. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
Letson took a cardio kickboxing class at 51ÁÔÆæ, where she met instructor Jake Klipp. Klipp and fellow instructor Zak Ottow saw potential in Letson and introduced her to mixed martial arts. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
A third-degree black belt in taekwondo, Letson's past experience has helped her achieve success as a mixed martial arts fighter. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
No stranger to the cage, Letson went undefeated as an amateur and lost only one professional bout before signing with UFC. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
It's a team effort at Pura Vida Jiu Jitsu, Letson's home gym. Sparring partner Saul Stevens helps Letson and other fighters train in the cage. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
Never afraid of a challenge, Letson has been competing and training while serving in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
Letson hopes that flying high in the cage can help her fly higher out of it. Her desire to be a role model for young girls motivates her every day. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
From start to finish, Letson strives to smash stereotypes of what a female athlete is and can be. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
Letson has been training for years and hopes to become a world champion in her sport. (51ÁÔÆæ Photo/Troye Fox)
51ÁÔÆæ grad Leah Letson has been training for years at Pura Vida Jiu Jitsu in Walker’s Point hoping to get a call from the UFC. In January 2018, she got that call and has ramped up her training regiment in preparation for her first fight at the sport’s highest level.
Her mind now locked on becoming a world champion in her sport, Letson’s journey is likely just getting started.
