If you’ve ever met Leslie McLea then you’d know that she’s pretty devoted to the art of BJJ. Splitting time training between three different academies (Elite MMA Kingwood, Baytown, Westheimer), Leslie counts growing within the sport of BJJ as one of her primary passions. And while she’s definitely trying to become the best BJJ competitor she can be, she’s been putting it on the line as an athlete for a long time, way before she found her on the mats.
“I grew up playing basketball, so I’ve always liked staying busy and being active! I stumbled upon jiu jitsu after I graduated from college and fell in love! I’m in my fifth year of training jiu jitsu. I train jiu jitsu Monday-Friday and the occasional Saturday. I also supplement my jiu jitsu with extra cardio and weight training at lifetime! I’m at lifetime every Saturday/Sunday. Aside from that, when I’m not in the gym, I love to sleep, read, hangout with my family and play with my mini dachshund, Bowser! I’m a big animal advocate: Adopt, don’t shop!”
With her normal routine already placing her at the gym on such a regular basis, training hard for her Fight 2 Win 103 matchup against Rachel Beach really hasn’t introduced any variance. Just more of the time, and a chance to show the progress she works so hard for in the gym.
“My F2W PRO record is 2-0. It’s incredibly exciting to perform and show my jiu jitsu to my loved ones! I love to compete because it allows me the opportunity to show my jiu jitsu! I take a lot of pride in my jiu jitsu. It is something that I have work extremely hard for!! And there is no better feeling when you get to be on the mat and see the fruits of your labor. Especially when the referee raises your hand. Now, I’ve had my share of losses and I’m okay with that! Those are the moments we take and grow from. “Whether you fail or fly, well sh*it, at least you tried”.
“Jiu jitsu has really impacted my life in such a positive way! It holds me accountable for my diet and I’m motivated to think twice about eating that second or third cheeseburger!! All jokes aside, I’ve never felt better about how I look and feel. I can perform and keep up with the high level jiu jitsu boys at my school! Also, being on the competitor jiu jitsu scene has inspired me to keep learning and growing my jiu jitsu. I aim to be aggressive and always being prepared to capitalize off a scramble.”
