Female MMA fighter competes for more than just wins

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB.com) - Mixed Martial Arts, which is a combat sports that includes both striking and grappling, has soared in popularity over the last decade. It is a sports dominated by men but there is a contingency of women engaging in the sport, including Valerie Aspaas.

Valerie learned karate as a child. After the death of her father, she began to immerse herself in MMA.

"You come into the gym having a bad day and you walk out of the gym and you feel great," explained Valerie. "And it's more than just endorphins. It's the spirit of the sport.

On March 2nd, Valerie will participate in the first women's MMA event in Buffalo.