Erica Grover is the latest of a group of women from the Welterweight+ division to speak out regarding the ladies deserving more respect and recognition.

She tells us “I most certainly believe that upper weight classes need to be recognized! Just as it is in the men’s divisions where claims are made and fans agree that upper weight classes provide even more entertaining fights. The potential for harder hits and KO’s is there, even in the women’s division and higher weight doesn’t mean less athletic…it usually means more strength.”

She explains why Welterweight or above is the best weight class for her “as a Polynesian women I am very much an athletic body type, weighing more than the lower weight classes due to A LOT of lean muscle which I’m naturally born with due to genetics. I train hard and am healthy but frustrated that it’s more difficult to get recognition due to a number on the scale. I could cut down to a lower weight class but I’d be cutting mostly muscle, and why should I have to do that?!”

Grover says having belts for higher divisions is something which should be done “Having welterweight and heavyweight belts should not just be something to consider and wishful thinking but should be done. Women are athletes and fighters above 135 pounds! And I know there is an audience and fighters willing to provide entertaining and amazing fights in the upper divisions, me being one of them”.

Erica is on a mission in 2017 to work together with fellow Weltweights to Heavyweights to show promoters why they deserve more recognition, she explains “My goal for 2017 is to find those pro fighters in the welterweight to heavyweight divisions and work together to show promoters we are very much worth the time and effort. When I fight I am one of the top ticket sale fighters and am confident I will continue to be. I can’t wait to help bring more recognition and help legitimize the upper weight divisions and not only represent women but the MANY who aren’t 135 but are badasses“.

There was controversy in the Women’s Heavyweight division last week when it was revealed the Number 1 Welterweight and over in the world Gabi Garcia would be facing 52 year old retired pro-wrestler and MMA fighter Shinobu Kandori at the Rizin FF Year-End event. Many fans feel the fight is a mismatch. Several stars hit out at the “joke” of a fight including Katya Kavaleva and Destanie Yarbrough. Grover let’s us know her thoughts on the match-up “Let’s be honest age does affect us, but only to some extent. Heart, mental strength and of course our fight game are all factors as well. I say good for her to still be ready and willing and confident enough to accept that fight”.

Grover tells us her goal for 2017 is to fight at least four times, she says she will accept fights against the likes of Gabi Garcia, Destanie Yarbrough, Katya Kavaleva and Shinobu Kandori in a “heartbeat”.

Erica Grover is a very impressive fighter with knockout power in her hands, one punch is capable of ending the fight which makes her a dangerous opponent for anyone in the Heavyweight division.

Who would you like to see Grover fight next? And do you agree that a Heavyweight belt should be introduced in 2017? Let us know in the comments below.

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