At just 7 years old, Arabella “The Mesa Mauler” Costello is already making waves in the world of combat sports. Training out of Gracie Barra in Chandler, Arizona, she competes in the 50–59 lb weight class and brings an intensity far beyond her years. Specializing in Jiu-Jitsu, while also developing her strength as a powerlifter, Arabella has quickly earned a reputation for her aggressive style and relentless pursuit of excellence. What started as a way to protect herself against bullies has transformed into a passion for competition and a drive to succeed at the highest level. Fierce on the mat yet compassionate outside of it, she paints her nails, goes to church, helps the homeless, and dreams of inspiring the next generation of young athletes. Her journey is just beginning, but her story already shines as proof that dedication, heart, and faith can build champions at any age.

What inspired you to start training in combat sports?
It started as a way to protect myself against bullies. Now I am addicted to competition!

Which discipline did you start with, and how has your style evolved?
I started off learning how to win with points. Then it turned into being a submission hunter and making my opponent tap.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence?
Aggressive (hence The Mesa Mauler nickname). I am always looking for that opportunity to submit my opponent.

Who are your biggest influences or role models in combat sports?
This one may be surprising but it’s the girls I share the mat with. Also those who have won the prestigious awards I am coming for and one day will get. Being in elite categories takes hours, weeks, months, and years of hard work. One day I want to inspire younger athletes like I’ve been inspired.

What’s been the toughest fight of your career so far, and why?
First was the day I was born. I came into this world at 27 weeks and 2 lbs as a preemie. The strong NICU warriors battle challenges daily, some of them are life and death. I spent 77 days fighting to survive and to finally leave the NICU. My most recent challenge was at ADCC Nationals. I decided to fight against girls who I knew had triple my wins and double my years of experience. However, I wanted to see how far off I am from the best in the Nation and what I need to do to catch them. I fought well and came home motivated to keep working harder.

How do you mentally prepare before stepping into the ring or cage?
I pray to God always! While God and I are talking, I ask to speak to my 2 brothers in heaven. I fight to make them proud!

What’s your training schedule like during fight camp versus the off-season?
Ha ha, what’s an offseason? No seriously, I am curious. Lately I’ve been putting in more hours per week after facing the best in the Nation. I train 5 days a week.

How important is diet and recovery in your routine?
Very important! Between the gym, school, tournaments, and friends, getting sick can happen very easily. Eating protein and lots of fruit protects my immune system as much as it can. Sleep is very important, especially the night before my fights. Sometimes my flights into other states can cause me to miss a huge amount of sleep, but I typically sleep 8-10 hours the night before a fight.

Have you ever had to overcome a major injury or setback? How did you bounce back?
Luckily no. Although I did have a fever for 4 straight days right before Nationals and I felt slower and tired the day of the tournament, I still pushed through it.

What’s your go-to move or combination that opponents should fear?
As many have pointed out to me, beware of my belly-down arm bar!

Do you study your opponents before fights, or rely more on your instincts?
Depends on the opponent. About 80% of my fights are based on instinct and what my opponent does. However, there are 20% out there that if you want a chance to win, you better study them.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big match?
Pray first, and warm up 30 minutes before. I made a huge mistake last year in Vegas when I had a big adrenaline dump during the first fight due to nerves. My other 9 fights were affected that day. I didn’t lose them all, but I messed up my opportunity to fight for gold that day. I learned my lesson and now I have a strict routine before all of my matches.

What’s one misconception people have about combat sports or fighters?
That we are violent in general. In fact, many of my friends and I have never been in a fight at school. Being good in jiujitsu allows me to stay calm and walk away from any potential situation. I hope myself and any other girl out there never have to use our jiujitsu skills. “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war.” Miyamoto Musashi.

Which do you value more in a fight, technique, power, or heart? Why?
Technique. Especially in jiujitsu. It’s a great sport that shows that using technique you can often beat a bigger opponent, especially if they have never trained before. However, there are 2 very distinct matches that I won strictly because I never gave up and had the heart. I was trapped and couldn’t breathe in both matches. I never tapped and fought out of the bad positions and ended up winning gold. Once in Florida, the other in Arizona!

Is there a dream opponent or match you’d love to have in the future?
Any match in the UFC BJJ would be a dream come true. I don’t care who the opponent is. Bring on Ronda Rousey and let’s go to war!

How do you balance the intensity of combat sports with your personal life?
I paint my nails, love to wear dresses, love my friends, go to church, and help the homeless. However, when I am on the mat for those 4 minutes each match, I am coming with everything I have. When I am done, I want to be able to tell myself I gave 100% and held nothing back. I am a different person on the mat vs. off.

How do you stay focused during a long, grueling round?
Keep the goal always at the front of my mind. Either better my position, score my points, or look for something to get the submission.

How do you handle criticism, whether from coaches, fans, or media?
I have amazing coaches at Gracie Barra. Anything they say to me is out of love and to help me. No media has ever talked about me, lol. Anyone who does this sport knows that there will be ups and downs. You must become the nail before you become the hammer, then you will elevate to the next belt and face more experienced opponents. Then guess what? For another brief moment you are the nail again. This sport is all about growth. For a muscle to get stronger it must be stripped down and rebuilt again and again. That is jiujitsu in a nutshell.

How do you want to be remembered in the world of combat sports?
A fighter who fought with toughness and heart! Through it all she proved that hard work pays off and grew the sport of jiujitsu for girls everywhere.

What advice would you give to young fighters just starting out?
It’s going to be hard, but focus on the moves that you are learning and the friendships you are developing, not the stripes or belts. There are levels to fighters, find the level you want to be your best at. Some join jiujitsu for self-defense, others go for competition, and some want to be the best.

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