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Helena Crevar excited to experience international competition: "Tokyo and Thailand would be one of my favorites"

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 23:17 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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Helena Crevar Prepares to Make Her Mark on the International Stage in Tokyo and Thailand

When Helena Crevar, the rising star of the lightweight division, announced that she would be heading to Tokyo for a high‑profile invitational and later to a Thailand‑based grappling tournament, the buzz in the MMA community was palpable. In an exclusive interview for SportsKeeda, the 24‑year‑old revealed not just her nerves and excitement, but a clear plan for how she intends to turn those two trips into the cornerstone of her professional career.

From a Humble Gym to the Global Spotlight

Crevar grew up in a working‑class family in São Paulo’s North Zone, where the family’s modest home gym was her first training ground. “I started with Brazilian jiu‑jitsu at the age of nine,” she told SportsKeeda. “The instant I felt that first guard pass, I knew this was my path.” Her early focus on grappling quickly broadened when she began cross‑training in Mu‑ay‑Thai and striking, a decision that would later give her an edge in mixed‑discipline fights.

In 2019, Crevar captured her first national title in the under‑18 BJJ circuit, a performance that landed her on the radar of several local promotion houses. Over the next two years, she racked up a 7‑0 record across three different Brazilian MMA promotions, with notable victories over future UFC prospect Rafa Santos and veteran grappler Lia Pereira. Her fights earned her a reputation as a “well‑balanced” athlete, with a striking win rate of 55 % and a grappling control time that consistently outpaces opponents.

The Tokyo Invitational – A First Glimpse of the International Arena

The first of Crevar’s international stops is the Tokyo 2025 Invitational, organized by the Japanese promotion Dai‑Shiki Combat. The event features a 16‑fighter, single‑elimination tournament in the 61‑kg class, a weight that matches Crevar’s natural range. Her coach, former Japanese MMA legend Shōta Hoshino, highlighted the significance of the competition. “This isn’t just a fight,” he said. “It’s a learning curve. The Japanese style emphasizes discipline and precision; we’re going to integrate that into her game.”

In her own words, Crevar is “thrilled to experience the intensity of a Japanese audience.” She cited the K-1 and Rizin events, which are known for their theatricality, as a source of inspiration. “I love the energy,” she added. “When the crowd’s roar reaches the stadium, it fuels your performance. I want to feel that energy in every round.”

Thailand’s Grappling Glory – The Ultimate Test

Following her stint in Tokyo, Crevar will travel to Bangkok for the International Grappling Championships (IGC), a premier BJJ event that attracts the world’s elite. The tournament runs over three days and includes both gi and no‑gi divisions. While Crevar has already made a name for herself in BJJ, she sees the IGC as an opportunity to refine her submission game against top‑tier competition.

“Thailand is the homeland of Mu‑ay‑Thai, but it’s also a hub for world‑class grapplers,” she explained. “I’ve trained in the Thai gyms, learned from local instructors, and adapted my striking to the Thai style. Now, I want to test my grappling against the best.”

A Look at Her Favorites

Crevar’s favorite fighters are a blend of striking and grappling phenoms, reflecting her own hybrid style.

• Khabib Nurmagomedov – She admires his relentless pressure and grappling dominance, citing his ability to “turn the fight into a chess match” as a major influence on her own game plan.
• Valentina Shevchenko – Known for her precision striking, Shevchenko’s work ethic and composure in the octagon inspire Crevar to stay disciplined.
• Eddie Alvarez – A veteran grappler whose submissions are swift and brutal. Crevar says Alvarez’s “submission speed is unmatched” and she aims to emulate that.

These favorites are more than just role models; they represent the styles she has incorporated into her training regimen.

The Road Ahead – Challenges and Ambitions

Crevar’s journey is not without obstacles. A key challenge lies in balancing the demands of traveling, adjusting to new time zones, and maintaining peak physical condition. She admits that her “training intensity has to stay high, but recovery becomes a priority when you’re far from home.”

Her long‑term goal is to secure a contract with a major promotion like the UFC or Bell Mighty. “I want to bring the Brazilian spirit to the world,” she said. “My family has always encouraged me to chase my dreams, no matter how far they take me.”

Conclusion

Helena Crevar’s upcoming international competition schedule is a testament to her ambition, dedication, and strategic planning. By stepping onto the mats in Tokyo and the tatami in Thailand, she will not only test her skills against world‑class talent but also hone the very qualities that could catapult her into the upper echelons of MMA.

For fans and observers, Crevar’s story underscores the importance of adaptability, cross‑disciplinary training, and relentless pursuit of growth. As she prepares for her first international fights, the spotlight is already turning toward her next fight card—where the outcome will likely influence her trajectory in the global MMA scene.