"It really inspires me to do more" - Helena Crevar says she feels no pressure being considered the best in BJJ

Some athletes buckle under the weight of being labeled one of the finest. Not Helena Crevar, though.

The American grappling specialist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has built a reputation as one of the sport's top talents despite being only 18 years old.

Crevar, who hails from Las Vegas, doesn't view expectations as burdensome. Instead, she sees them as motivation to reach even greater heights.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the BJJ standout revealed how being considered among the sport's best affects her competitive mentality.

"It really inspires me to do more. It's not really a burden to me. It just motivates me to do even more, and it's really humbling," Crevar told the world's largest martial arts organization.

That mindset separates world-class fighters from the usual bunch of contenders.

Some fighters crumble when expectations rise or recognition arrives. The pressure of maintaining reputations, avoiding upset losses, and living up to hype creates anxiety that undermines performance.

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Helena Crevar looks to walk the talk in ONE Championship

Helena Crevar transforms that pressure into fuel, using recognition as motivation to prove doubters right rather than fearing she'll prove them wrong.

Now, she'll look to walk the talk when she makes her promotional bow at ONE Fight Night 39 next year.

Emanating live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, Helena Crevar opens her promotional account against fellow debuting American athlete, Teshya Noelani Alo, in a bantamweight submission grappling duel on Friday, Jan. 23.

On paper, the multi-time IBJJF world champion has what it takes to upset Alo, a three-time ADCC open champion. However, the Hawaiian native's creativity on the canvas should make this fight pure entertainment from start to finish.

Will Crevar open her ONE account in style, or does Alo have what it takes to register a sensational win over the John Danaher protege?

ONE Fight Night 39 will be available to fight fans in the United States and Canada on Amazon Prime Video with an active subscription. The card will be the promotion's first American primetime spectacle of 2026.

Other stars set to be part of the show are Muay Thai warriors Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon, Abdulla Dayakaev, Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, and Asdula Imangazaliev.

Meanwhile, Bokang Masunyane and Ryohei Kurosawa trade leather in strawweight MMA action.