At the age of 16 Josh Grove thought that his career trajectory was heading off to join the Army. He just discovered Mixed Martial Arts and his coach at the time influenced him to look further into working on his craft. By the age of 19 with energy, experience and added mastery, Josh caught wins and the attention of many fight fans as an amateur.
Fast forward to 2021, and still in his early 20’s, Josh is truly living his passion. According to Josh, MMA is a vehicle that he is using to make the pictures in his head come to reality. Inspired by the philanthropic work of Senator Manny Pacquiao and MMA Heavyweight Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera, who both started from humble beginnings and made a name for themselves in the world of combat sports. According to Josh, the bigger picture for him is not just about winning multiple championship titles, belts, fame and fortune. It is about giving back to the people who need it the most, specifically in the Philippines.
Josh recalls visiting his family in Bulacan on numerous occasions and relayed how sweet it would be if he could do something for the community. Before the “Peanut Butter Kid” (a nickname that he earned when he was starting out in MMA) made his presence felt in the Australian MMA community; Josh immersed himself in the life of a Muay Thai prize-fighter.
Josh spent over a year living, training and fighting in Thailand. It was an experience that money can’t buy. Living in a land where Muay Thai originated, and to be able to compete in the famous Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, was a life changing experience. Some fights were shown on local television, a path similar to Aussie Muay Thai legend, John Wayne Parr, when Parr started out on his way to becoming a 10-time World Champion.
Covid has thrown a spanner in the works, but that did not prevent this fighter from keeping in top shape. There has been fights scheduled but due to unforeseen circumstances, the bouts got cancelled in the last minute. Being always ready and on top condition is the key that opened doors for Josh and provided a distinct advantage, his upcoming fight under Eternal MMA 59 to be held at the Melbourne Pavilion on 7 May was a short notice fight. With the aid of technology, the fight can also be watched online. Any combat sports fans, especially Filipino Australians have much to be excited about about Josh Grove’s prospects.
Josh currently trains at Absolute MMA in Melbourne as well as Pro-Fitness MMA in Frankston.
To keep up with Josh and his journey to reach the top, follow him on Instagram @grover_delacruz
