19-year-old grappling phenom Helena Crevar welcomes super fights against the best of the best from MMA

Helena Crevar, a 19-year-old grappling phenomenon, has become the No. 1 pound-for-pound women's grappler in the world and is hungry for new challenges—both within elite grappling circles and potentially against some of MMA's biggest names.

The first woman to earn a black belt under legendary instructor John Danaher and a student of grappling GOAT Gordon Ryan, Crevar is undefeated in 2026 with submission wins in every match. Her immediate focus is a featured bout at ONE Championship's The Inner Circle event from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday, where she will move up in weight to face Paige Clymer. Beyond that, she has ambitious plans: another ONE Championship appearance, an ADCC world title run, and additional tournaments to stay as active as possible.

But Crevar's vision extends further. She has publicly welcomed "super fights" against top MMA fighters, particularly those with grappling pedigrees. While she hasn't singled out specific opponents, names like UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern—a multi-time grappling champion before turning to MMA—seem natural fits. Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, now UFC bantamweight champion, are other possibilities that fit the profile of elite combat athletes who could transition to the mats.

Crevar views the target on her back as motivation rather than burden. "Being at the top at such a young age, it's really motivating and it makes me want to hold onto that No. 1 spot and keep putting my name out there," she said. With years ahead of her, she's committed to cementing her legacy as the world's best while pursuing crossover opportunities that could elevate both her profile and the sport of grappling itself.