5 Fast Facts About Promising MMA Star Lea Bivins
Lea Bivins is ready for her professional MMA debut, and the young atomweight fighter couldn’t have asked for a grander stage for this special occasion.
The 20-year-old American is scheduled to face undefeated French rival Noelle “Lil’ Monkey” Grandjean at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 21.
Bivins has been waiting a long time for this moment, and now that her big debut is finally set, she is fired up to leave the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a statement win.
Before she kicks off the ONE on Prime Video 3 card, here are five fast facts about this promising MMA star.
#1 MMA Runs In The Family
Bivins was exposed to the sport from a young age by her father, Anthony.
The family patriarch is a former professional MMA fighter who equipped his three kids with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and pankration at their family-owned gym, House of Moons, in Orangevale, California.
That ultimately spurred Bivins’ interest in combat sports, and as far as she can recall, she was practically raised on the mats.
She said:
“I was in martial arts since I was four. I probably didn’t start taking it seriously till I was about 10, I’d say. But I always grew up on the mat in jiu-jitsu class, that type of thing.”
#2 How She Earned The Nickname ‘First Moon‘
Her dad’s first love and passion may have been martial arts, but also, he has always been a huge fan of the moon, hence the name of their hometown dojo.
In fact, the family patriarch was so obsessed with it, he was inspired to nickname his eldest child “First Moon.” And according to the ONE Championship newcomer, there is a lot of symbolism behind the moniker.
Bivins said:
“My dad actually came up with the name. He believes in the different moon phases that happened throughout the year and stuff. So, I’m considered the ‘First Moon’ because I’m the first-born child of my parents and the oldest, and I’m also the first fighter that the House of Moons has ever produced.”
#3 She Has Tupac & Biggie On Repeat
Bivins is motivated to make a splash at ONE on Prime Video 3, but rap music gives her some extra fuel to work even harder during training camp.
Whenever Bivins dons the gi, rash guard, or gloves, she usually has the music of two hip-hop icons playing on repeat – Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
One song that has gotten the atomweight through many grueling training sessions is Shakur’s 1995 smash hit, “California Love.”
#4 She’s Forged A Close Friendship With The Lees
Bivins looks up to many different martial artists, but Angela Lee and Victoria Lee are the two fighters who inspire her to achieve greater heights.
The Orangevale native was enthralled by Angela’s meteoric rise from a largely unknown fighter to reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion.
And when she met Victoria during their time as Team USA members at an international youth MMA tournament in 2019, she was similarly impressed by the younger Lee sister’s skill set.
They instantly formed a close friendship that has lasted to this day. Last year, Bivins even trained with the Lee siblings at their family gym, United MMA, in Hawaii.
#5 She Has A Solid All-Around Game
Bivins brings a strong and diverse repertoire to the Circle, and she hopes it will get her professional MMA career off to a flying start.
The California native, who stands at 5-foot-5, knows how to use her physical attributes well. She stays within range and can uncork damaging kicks whenever an opponent tries to close the distance.
However, if she’s unsuccessful with her striking arsenal, the BJJ purple belt has good takedown entries and a heavy ground-and-pound game to finish her foes.
