Leah Letson discovered an unexpected passion for mixed martial arts while at UWM. Now, the 2016 grad is preparing for her UFC debut. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Coming to UWM from Janesville, Wisconsin, Letson found a way to stay active in her new home through UWM Sport and Recreation. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Letson took a cardio kickboxing class at UWM, where she met instructor Jake Klipp. Klipp and fellow instructor Zak Ottow saw potential in Letson and introduced her to mixed martial arts. (UWM 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. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
No stranger to the cage, Letson went undefeated as an amateur and lost only one professional bout before signing with UFC. (UWM 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. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Never afraid of a challenge, Letson has been competing and training while serving in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. (UWM 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. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
From start to finish, Letson strives to smash stereotypes of what a female athlete is and can be. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Letson has been training for years and hopes to become a world champion in her sport. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
UWM 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.