The UFC is one of the most exciting and fastest growing sports in the world. Nowadays, it’s drawing more attention from people all around North America and Europe. With a record number of spectators, there is also a record number of female fighters who are making their way to the octagon with their male counterparts. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the hottest UFC female fighters who have drawn worldwide attention with their moves in the ring.
1. Veronica Macedo
| Veronica Macedo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Veronica Hardy (née Macedo) |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1995 |
| Division | Women’s Flyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st) |
| Fighting out of | Nottingham, England |
| Team | Hardy-Wallhead MMA |
| Years Active | 2016–Present |
| Martial Arts Background | Taekwondo (black belt earned by age 12) |
| Professional MMA Record | Total fights: 12 |
| Amateur MMA Record | Total fights: 2 |
| Notable Achievements | Performance of the Night (vs. Polyana Viana) |
| Retirement | Retired from MMA due to concussion issues after the fight against Bea Malecki |
| Spouse | Married former UFC fighter Dan Hardy on December 25, 2022 |
One of the UFC’s youngest fighters, Veronica Macedo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai submission fighter who has made headlines as one of the most beautiful people in the sport. She is also known for being an accomplished competitor as she has held titles in every MMA organization on which she has competed. These include, BJJ World Championship, American National Championship, American National Muay Thai Championships and others.
2. Cat Zingano
First and original UFC fighter, MMA welterweight champion Megumi Fujii says that Cat Zingano is the current strongest woman in the UFC.
| Cat Zingano | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cat Zingano |
| Birthdate | July 1, 1982 |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Organization | Bellator MMA |
| Weight Class | Women’s Featherweight |
| Notable Achievements | – First woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout (TKO) |
| Wrestling Background | – Started wrestling at age 12 |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | – Discovered BJJ in 2007 and won multiple tournaments |
| Mixed Martial Arts Career | – Made pro MMA debut in 2008 and holds a record of 14 wins and 4 losses |
| Family | – Married with a son (born 2006), the first mother to compete in the UFC |
| Philanthropy | – Established a scholarship fund to assist bereaved students with $10,000 |
5’8″ (173cm) and weighing 108lbs, Zingano has been known for her signature Brazilian style and agility. She has a one-punch knockout win over Miesha Tate at UFC 178 which was one of the most important fights in her career as she won the belt.
3. Montana De La Rosa
| Montana De La Rosa | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Montana De La Rosa |
| Birthdate | February 14, 1995 (age 28) |
| Birthplace | Helena, Montana, United States |
| Other Names | Monty |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight, Flyweight |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Team | Genesis Jiu Jitsu Azle, Team Takedown (2014–2020), Team Elevation (2020–present) |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| University | Tarrant County College |
| Spouse | Mark De La Rosa |
| MMA Organizations | UFC |
| Professional Debut | 2014 |
| Notable Achievements | Former Xtreme Fighting League (XFN) flyweight champion |
| Notable Fights | – The Ultimate Fighter 26: Participant and signed with UFC afterwards |
| Notable Personal Information | – Married to Mark De La Rosa, a former UFC fighter |
Montana De La Rosa is a fighter from the women’s featherweight division and she is known for her short set of tattooed curves. She is currently competing in the UFC and has won three out of six fights so far. De La Rosa has also been featured in Maxim, Sports Illustrated, FHM, and just to top it off – Playboy. With her pretty features and tattoos, Montana De La Rosa would certainly be a title contender in any other weight class.
4. Miesha Tate
| Miesha Tate | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miesha Tate |
| Birthdate | August 18, 1986 |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Organization | Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) |
| Former Championships | UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion |
| Current Ranking | #11 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings |
| Fighting Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st) |
| Reach | 65 in (165 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Team | Xtreme Couture |
| Years Active | 2007–2016, 2021–present (MMA) |
| Notable Achievements | Former UFC and Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion, Vice President of ONE Championship |
| Amateur Wrestling Background | Wrestled on the boys’ team in high school, won the girls’ state championship |
| Professional Debut | November 2007 at HOOKnSHOOT Women’s Grand Prix |
| Notable Victories | Liz Carreiro (FCF Women’s Bantamweight Championship), Marloes Coenen (Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship) |
| Notable Rivalry | Rivalry and fight with Ronda Rousey, headlined a Strikeforce event |
| Notable Submission | Arm-triangle choke victory over Marloes Coenen to win the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship |
| UFC Record | Wins: 5, Losses: 4 |
| Total MMA Record | Total: 28, Wins: 19 (4 by knockout, 7 by submission, 8 by decision), Losses: 9 (2 by knockout, 3 by submission, 4 by decision) |
Miesha Tate is one of the newest additions to the UFC and has already made a name for herself with her excellent performance in the ring. She is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of her sport. In 2011, she was named ‘Fighter of the Year’ by Sherdog.com and later became Invicta FC’s first female fighter.
When Tate was attending Arizona State University, she used to do wrestling as well as boxing.
5. Tracy Cortez
| Tracy Cortez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tracy Cortez |
| Born | December 10, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican descent |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Fighting out of | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Team | Fight Ready MMA, Neuro Force One |
| Trainer | Santino Defranco |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| UFC Ranking | #14 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings |
| Amateur Career | Undefeated amateur record (3–0) |
| Invicta Debut | August 31, 2017, against Cheri Muraski (submission loss) |
| Notable Wins | – Kaytlin Neil (Invicta FC 28: Mizuki vs. Jandiroba) |
| Notable Loss | Cheri Muraski (Invicta FC 25: Kunitskaya vs. Pa’aluhi) |
| Tattoo | Tracy has a tattoo in remembrance of her brother on her arm |
| Relationship | Formerly engaged to fellow UFC fighter Brian Ortega |
With a height of 5’6” and a weight of 135 lbs, Tracy Cortez is one of the hottest female fighters in the UFC. Having fought in numerous number of fights, she is renowned for her impressive performance in the ring. Her fighting style mainly consists of boxing, jiu-jitsu and wrestling techniques. Being a mother to two children, it is certainly not easy for her to be at the top among other hot female fighters in this sport today.
6. Rachael Ostovich
| Rachael Ostovich | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rachael Ostovich |
| Nationality | American |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Reach | 62 in (157 cm) |
| Style | Boxing, Judo |
| Professional Debut | January 2014 |
| Amateur MMA Record | 6-0 |
| Professional MMA Record | Wins: 4 Losses: 6 – By submission: 2 – By decision: 2 – By knockout: 3 |
| Notable Organizations | UFC, Invicta Fighting Championships, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
| Notable Achievements | Competed in The Ultimate Fighter 26, Proven grappling skills with wins by submission |
| Notable Fights | – Defeated Melinda Fábián via rear-naked choke submission – Faced Barb Honchak in The Ultimate Fighter 26 |
| Current Status | Signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, actively competing |
| Personal Challenges | Overcame assault in 2018, filed for divorce and obtained full custody of daughter |
Rachael Ostovich,a half Japanese and half Filipino. She was a standout wrestler in her high school days and represented the state of Hawaii in several tournaments. Despite her wrestling prowess, she joined the MMA world when she was 21 years old. This is where she became a serious contender and defeated some of the top fighters of the UFC including Kailin Curran, Laura D.
7. Ashley Yoder
| Ashley Yoder | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashley Elizabeth Yoder |
| Birthdate | October 20, 1987 (age 35) |
| Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Other Names | Spider Monkey |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Fighting out of | Temecula, California, United States |
| Team | Team Atchison Martial Arts (2008–2012), Team Quest (2012–present), Checkmat Murrieta |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Feliciano |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| University | Indiana University |
| Total Fights | 16 |
| Wins | 8 |
| – By Submission | 4 |
| – By Decision | 4 |
| Losses | 8 |
| – By Decision | 8 |
| Dog | Owner of a dog named “Beth” |
Ashley Yoder is a female UFC fighter who is well known for her grappling skills in the octagon. She has a record of 2 wins and 3 losses and has earned herself the nickname “The Bully”. She had her first fight when she was just 19 years old and lost to Heather Clark in the first round. However, she wouldn’t let that defeat stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a professional fighter.
8. Juliana Peña
| Juliana Pe a | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julianna Nicole Peña |
| Birthdate | August 19, 1989 (age 33) |
| Birthplace | Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Venezuelan Vixen |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st) |
| Division | Bantamweight (2013–present), Flyweight (2013) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Team | SikJitsu (2008–present), Luiz Claudio Combat Team, Valle Flow Striking (2016–present), Gregory Boxing & Muay Thai |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Luiz Claudio |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| UFC Champion | Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion |
| The Ultimate Fighter | Winner of The Ultimate Fighter (first woman) |
| UFC Rankings | Women’s Bantamweight: #1 (as of August 1, 2022) |
| Education | Mt. Spokane High School, Spokane Community College |
| Amateur MMA Record | 2-0 |
| Notable Victories | Shayna Baszler: The Ultimate Fighter, rear naked choke |
| Notable Losses | Valentina Shevchenko: UFC on Fox 23, armbar submission |
| Children | Has a daughter |
| Documentary Feature | Featured in the MMA documentary “Fight Life” |
| Commentator | Announcer for Combate Americas’ English language broadcast on DAZN |
| Nationality | Mexican and Venezuelan descent |
Juliana Peña is an American professional mixed martial artist who fights as a Strawweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She is a native of Lemont, Illinois. She trains under the tutelage of Team Hurricane Awesome in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been fighting since 2009.
Herrig fought for organizations such as Women’s Extreme Fighting, IFC, Tuff-n-uff and TKO promotions before the UFC signed her to their roster in 2014.
If you’re looking for inspiration from strong and muscular women, check out the 56 Most Muscular Female Bodybuilders on Instagram. These incredible athletes showcase their dedication and hard work in the gym, and Juliana Peña is definitely one to watch. With her impressive physique and fighting skills, she proves that women can be fierce and powerful in the world of UFC.
9. Valentina Shevchenko
| Valentina Shevchenko | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valentina Anatolievna Shevchenko |
| Birthdate | March 7, 1988 |
| Nationality | Kyrgyzstani, Peruvian |
| Martial Arts | Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai |
| Current Division | UFC Women’s Flyweight |
| UFC Rankings | #1 in women’s flyweight rankings |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Team | Tiger Muay Thai |
| Trainer | Pavel Fedotov |
| Notable Achievements | Former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion |
| Alma Mater | National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic |
| Languages | Russian, English, Spanish |
| Honors | Honored Professor title from the university |
| Kickboxing Record | Total: 59 Wins: 57, By knockout: 4, Losses: 2 |
| Muay Thai Record | Multiple gold medals in IFMA World Championships |
| Mixed Martial Arts Record | Total: 27 Wins: 23, By knockout: 8, By submission: 7, By decision: 8, Losses: 4 |
| Notable Relatives | Antonina Shevchenko (sister) |
| Film Directing Degree | Undergraduate degree in Film Directing from National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic |
| Awards | Dank Order (awarded by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov) |
Valentina is no stranger to the world of mixed martial arts. Valentina Shevchenko is a multiple-time Shooto and CageSport Champion in her native Ukraine. She has also competed in the WFA, Lion Fight, and Invicta FC leagues. In 2013, she made her MMA debut in Invicta FC where she defeated Daria Ibragimova by unanimous decision. Valentina then made her UFC debut at UFC 171 against Liz Carmouche for the women’s bantamweight title.
10. Polyana Viana
| Polyana Viana | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Polyana Viana Mota |
| Other name | Dama de Ferro (Iron Lady) |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Sao Geraldo do Araguaia, Pará, Brazil |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Fighting out of | Soure, Pará, Brazil |
| Team | TATA Fight Team (2017–present) |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Polyana Viana, a rising star in the MMA world, is a force to be reckoned with. With a background in judo and a killer striking game, she’s made her mark in the UFC’s strawweight division. Her journey from a crime-fighting victim to a fierce fighter is truly inspiring. Known for her impressive submission skills, she’s wrapped up opponents with slick armbars and chokes. And hey, don’t let her cheerful smile fool you – once she steps into the Octagon, it’s all business. Keep an eye on this Brazilian dynamo, as she’s destined to make even bigger waves in the MMA scene.
11. Joanne Calderwood
| Joanne Calderwood | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joanne Calderwood |
| Birthdate | December 23, 1985 (age 37) |
| Birthplace | Irvine, Scotland |
| Other Names | JoJo |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight (2012–2017), Flyweight (2012, 2016, 2018–present) |
| Reach | 65.5 in (166 cm) |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Fighting out of | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Team | Dinky Ninjas Fight Team, Tristar Gym (2016–2017), Syndicate MMA (2018–present) |
| Trainer | John Wood, Firas Zahabi, James Doolan, Paul Mcveigh |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Kickboxing Record | Wins: 19, Losses: 2 |
| MMA Record | Wins: 16 (5 by knockout, 1 by submission, 10 by decision), Losses: 8 (5 by submission, 3 by decision) |
| Notable Achievements | Former Muay Thai champion, ISKA World Flyweight Champion, IKF European Flyweight Champion, WKL European Flyweight Champion, WBC UK Bantamweight Champion |
| UFC Debut | December 12, 2014 |
| Current UFC Ranking | Ranked in the top 10 of the women’s flyweight division |
| Last Fight | Win against Luana Carolina on March 18, 2023 at UFC 286 |
Joanne Calderwood is a beast on the cage. The undefeated Scottish fighter is one of the rising stars of UFC. Joanne Calderwood takes part in the women’s flyweight division and she has already registered her impressive performance to this division. In her debut fight, she defeated Aspen Ladd by split decision and in June 2015, she made a quick finish to Sarah Kaufman by rear-naked choke.
12. Karolina Kowalkiewicz
| Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karolina Kowalkiewicz |
| Born | October 15, 1985 (age 37) |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight (2014–present), Flyweight (2012–2014) |
| Reach | 64 in (163 cm) |
| Style | Muay Thai, Krav Maga |
| Fighting out of | Łódź, Poland |
| Team | Shark Top Team Łódź |
| Trainer | Łukasz Zaborowski |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Accomplishments | Former KSW Women’s Flyweight Champion |
| UFC Debut | Signed with the UFC in late 2015 |
| Notable Wins | Randa Markos, Heather Jo Clark, Rose Namajunas, Felice Herrig |
| Notable Losses | Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Cláudia Gadelha, Jéssica Andrade, Michelle Waterson, Yan Xiaonan |
| Eye Injury | Sustained a severe eye injury during a 2020 match |
| Hashimoto’s Disease | Diagnosed in 2019, manages symptoms with a vegan diet |
| Eye Surgery | Underwent surgery and received a titanium plate in her right eye |
This Polish beauty has already managed to put a mark on the UFC with her sharp-shooting techniques and her devastating leg kicks. Kowalkiewicz is a deadly combination of quickness and strength, which makes her lethal. Karolina Kowalkiewicz has started fighting since 2009 and successfully participated in many grappling tournaments.
She made history in 2014 when she became the first ever European female fighter to win the UFC title in History. Since then, she has continued to amaze fans with her knockout punches and eye-catching performances.
13. Alexa Grasso
| Alexa Grasso | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexa Grasso |
| Born | August 9, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st) |
| Reach | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Style | Boxing, BJJ |
| Team | Lobo Gym |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| UFC Analyst | UFC Español |
| Pound-for-Pound Rank | #1 (as of June 20, 2023) |
| UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion | Current Champion |
| Total MMA Record | 19 wins, 3 losses |
| Notable Achievements | First Mexican UFC women’s champion |
| Professional Debut | December 2012 |
| Undefeated Start | 5 wins (3 TKO, 2 decision) |
| Invicta FC Debut | September 6, 2014 |
| Notable Victories | Karolina Kowalkiewicz |
| Notable Losses | Felice Herrig, Tatiana Suarez, Carla Esparza |
| Fight of the Night | Carla Esparza, Mizuki Inoue |
| Performance of the Night | Valentina Shevchenko (UFC 285) |
| Upcoming Rematch | Valentina Shevchenko (Scheduled for September 16, 2023) |
Alexa Grasso is regarded as one of the most promising fighters in Mexico. She is currently a part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the strawweight division. She holds a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 2 losses. Her nickname in the ring is “Sassy” for her aggressive moves and edgy attitude on the Octagon.
14. Michelle Waterson
Michelle Waterson is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division. She’s known as “The Karate Hottie” and is considered one of the best female fighters in the world.
| Michelle Waterson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Eileen Waterson |
| Nickname | The Karate Hottie |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1986 |
| Age | 37 |
| Birthplace | Aurora, Colorado, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | European and Thai descent |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Team | Jackson Wink MMA Academy |
| Division | Atomweight, Strawweight, Flyweight |
| MMA Record | Total Wins: 18 |
| UFC Ranking | #13 in Women’s Strawweight |
| Championships | Former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion |
| Accomplishments | Ranked No. 1 women’s atomweight fighter (2013-2014) |
| Martial Arts | Black belt in American freestyle karate, brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Education | Graduated from Aurora Central High School |
| Modeling Career | Started in 2004 after high school graduation |
| Other Information | Featured on Fight Girls, Bully Beatdown, and American Ninja Warrior |
| Acting Career | Featured in Megadeth’s music video “Head Crusher” and performed stunts in Thor |
| Personal Life | Married to Joshua Gomez, has a daughter |
She started her career competing in judo and muay Thai before she realized that she was better at fighting than anything else. Since then, she has excelled in multiple combat sports before eventually moving to the UFC.
15. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
| Joanna Jedrzejczyk | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joanna Jedrzejczyk |
| Born | August 18, 1987 (age 35) |
| Birthplace | Olsztyn, Poland |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Occupation | Former professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai kickboxer |
| Achievements | Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| Fighting Style | Muay Thai, Kickboxing |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Kickboxing: Super bantamweight, Featherweight |
| Team | Team Mr. Perfect (2008–2010), Berkut Arrachion Olsztyn (2012–2016), American Top Team (2016–2022) |
| Professional MMA Record | Wins: 16 |
| Amateur Muay Thai Record | Total: 40, Wins: 37, Losses: 3 |
| Other Accomplishments | – Earned six medals (five gold) at the IFMA World Muaythai Championships |
| Notable Records | – Undefeated in her first nine MMA fights |
| Last updated on | June 13, 2022 |
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a Polish mixed martial artist who made a name for herself as one of the toughest female fighters in the UFC. She has defeated no less than 11 opponents in only 8 fights. During her MMA career, she’s held five championships, most of them being interim titles. Joanna has won 4 out of 8 fights by knock-out and has made seven submissions in her career so far.
16. Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the flyweight division. Dern is a professional competitor since 2016 when she debuted at UFC 222. Dern has also become a champion at the past two UFC events she competed in.
In 2017, Dern won her first professional fight which was against Ashley Yoder at UFC 222 as well as in 2018 against Alexa Grasso at UFC Fight Night 121.
| Mackenzie Dern | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mackenzie Lynne Dern Santos |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1993 |
| Nationality | American and Brazilian |
| Martial Arts Discipline | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts |
| Notable Achievements | Former world No. 1 ranked IBJJF competitor |
| UFC Rankings | Currently ranked 7th in the UFC women’s strawweight division as of May 23, 2023 |
| Training Beginnings | Started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of three with her father and stepmother, both black belts |
| Academic Background | Graduated from Ironwood High School in Glendale, Arizona |
| Professional MMA Career | MMA Debut: Legacy FC 58 (won by unanimous decision) |
| Notable Wins | Amanda Cooper, Hannah Cifers, Randa Markos, Nina Nunes, and Angela Hill |
| Weight Divisions | Competed in strawweight and flyweight divisions |
| Personal Life | Married to professional surfer Wesley Santos (separated in 2022) |
| Maternal Break | Put MMA career on hold due to pregnancy; daughter Moa born in June 2019 |
| Relationship with Coaches | Left Black House MMA after an incident involving her original coach, Juan Gomez |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Black belt awarded by Wellington “Megaton” Dias |
17. Jessica Eye
| Jessica Eye | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Parents | Randy Allen (father), Colleen Joanne Eye (mother) |
| Siblings | Half-sisters: Jennifer Carlisle-Brunner, Heather Carlisle-Hunter; Brother: Randy Miles Eye |
| Early Life | – Parents divorced when she was 6, moving to Virginia with her mother and sisters before returning to Ohio. |
Jessica Eye is a professional mixed martial artist and an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter. This gorgeous lady has a total of 12 wins out of her 13 wins. She is known in the UFC for being one of the best female fighters who is fighting for the title belt. Jessica Eye has been active in the fighting arena for 5 years now.
18. Aleksandra Albu
| Aleksandra Albu | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aleksandra Albu |
| Nationality | Russian, Moldovan |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Reach | 62 in (157 cm) |
| Style | Judo, Karate |
| Fighting out of | Moscow, Russia |
| Team | MMA–KEGI |
| Trainer | Andrey Tsarkov |
| Rank | Black Belt in Karate |
| Notable Accomplishments | UFC debut on April 11, 2015, with a submission win |
| Notable Win | Defeated Kailin Curran by unanimous decision |
| Notable Losses | Lost to Emily Whitmire via submission and Loma Lookboonmee via split decision |
| UFC Departure | Parted ways with UFC in February 2021 |
| Academic Pursuit | Student at the Academy of Intellectual Property |
| Nickname | Stitch |
| Representing Country | Officially represents Russia |
Aleksandra Albu is a Romanian MMA fighter also known as ‘The Bullet’. She has been fighting in the UFC since April 19, 2013. She currently competes in the women’s strawweight (105 lbs) division.
She has a total professional record of 8 wins and 2 losses and she has won 6 of her 7 fights with the UFC.
19. Randa Markos
| Randa Markos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Randa Cemil Markos-Thomas |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Assyrian |
| Religion | Chaldean Catholic |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Fighting out of | Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Team | Maximum Training Centre (until 2014), Tristar Gym (2015–2016), Michigan Top Team (2014–2021), Strongstyle Team Lutter (2021–present) |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Fábio Lima |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Notable Debut | Pro MMA debut on November 17, 2012 at IFC 51, defeating Allanna Jones via third-round armbar |
| Notable Accomplishments | – Competed in The Ultimate Fighter 20 – Fight of the Night award – Victories over Angela Hill and Ashley Yoder – UFC career record: 11 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw |
Sole Canadian female UFC fighter, Randa Markos trained in Thai boxing from the young age of 12. With her incredible expertise in martial arts, Randa Markos has been a member of several kickboxing and Muay Thai teams. She once admitted that she shouldn’t be the only woman in the ring against men because they are stronger than her. So, instead of picking up male contenders to fight on her behalf, Randa instead decided to train with them.
20. Claudia Gadelha
| Claudia Gadelha | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claudia Gadelha |
| Birthdate | December 7, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Fighting out of | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Notable Wins | Valérie Létourneau, Jessica Aguilar, Carla Esparza |
| Notable Losses | Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, Nina Ansaroff |
| Years active | 2008–2021 (MMA) |
| UFC Position | Fighter Development (Brazil) |
| Gym | CG Ultimate Fitness Academy (formerly Claudia Gadelha’s MMA & BJJ Academy) |
| Pro MMA Record | Total Wins: 18 |
Claudia Gadelha is a Brazilian fighter who joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2014. She has been active in the world of MMA since her debut in 2008 at the age of 18 (yes, she’s one of the youngest fighters.) Her family was very poor but she was always determined to be something more. She graduated from college with a Psychology degree and for four years, she practiced JuJitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai. Her nickname is Claudia “Claudinha”.
21. Holly Holm
| Holly Holm | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Holly Rene Holm |
| Born | October 17, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Preacher’s Daughter |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb) |
| Division | Bantamweight (MMA), Featherweight (MMA), Light Welterweight (Boxing), Welterweight (Boxing and Kickboxing), Light Middleweight (Boxing) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Boxing |
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Team | Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2007–present), AKKA Karate USA (2000–2007) |
| Trainer | Mike Winkeljohn (Boxing, Kickboxing), Greg Jackson (MMA), Israel Martinez (Wrestling), Rafael “Barata” Freitas (BJJ) |
| Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto “Tussa” Alencar |
| Years active | 2011–present (MMA), 2002–2013 (Boxing), 2001–2003 (Kickboxing) |
| Professional Boxing Record | Total Wins: 33, Losses: 2, Draws: 3 |
| Kickboxing Record | Total Wins: 14, Losses: 1, Draws: 7 |
| MMA Record | Total Wins: 15 (8 by knockout, 7 by decision), Losses: 6 (1 by knockout, 1 by submission, 4 by decision) |
| University | University of New Mexico |
| Spouse | Jeff Kirkpatrick (m. 2012; div. 2019) |
| Notable Achievements | – Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion |
| Personal Background | – Nicknamed “The Preacher’s Daughter” |
Holly Holm is a former professional boxer who is currently one of the hottest UFC female fighters. Before joining the UFC, she was a world champion. In fact, she had an undefeated run on her record before suffering her first loss to an American Debbie Lusze. After her loss, Holm decided to retire from boxing and join the UFC after being invited by the team manager at UFC.
Holm belongs to Albuquerque which isn’t exactly a hotbed of entertainment in the United States.
22. Tecia Torres
| Tecia Torres | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tecia Lyn Torres Moncaio |
| Birthdate | August 16, 1989 (age 33) |
| Birthplace | Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Tiny Tornado, Double T |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Reach | 60+1⁄2 in (154 cm) |
| Style | Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Fighting out of | Colorado Springs, United States |
| Team | American Top Team |
| Rank | Black belt in Karate |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Spouse | Raquel Pennington (married in 2017) |
| UFC Women’s Strawweight Ranking | #9 (as of May 9, 2023) |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology (2010) |
| Martial Arts Background | Taekwondo (black belt), Amateur Muay Thai (16-4 record) |
| Notable Victories | Angela Magaña, Angela Hill, Michelle Waterson |
| Notable Losses | Rose Namajunas, Jéssica Andrade, Zhang Weili |
| Fighting Style | Utilizes elements of taekwondo and karate |
| Mental Health Awareness | Openly discussed struggles with depression and attachment disorder |
| LGBTQ+ Advocacy | Openly part of the LGBTQ+ community |
Besides being the most recent UFC female fighter, Tecia Torres also has a very impressive record. Tecia Torres is the only female fighter to ever defeat Joanne Calderwood. She once defeated her by knockout due to punches from her left hand. Also, she is now undefeated in her 9th professional fight.
With 2 wins and 6 draws, Tecia’s career is still on track which gives us a lot more excitement for what she can do in the future.
23. Andrea Lee
| Andrea Lee | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrea Lee |
| Birthdate | February 11, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Texas, U.S. |
| Other Names | KGB |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8.9 st) |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Reach | 69+1⁄2 in (177 cm) |
| Style | Kyokushin |
| Team | Gladiators Academy (2018–present) |
| Trainer | Tim Credeur |
| Rank | Black belt in Kyokushin |
| UFC Ranking | #13 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings (as of April 11, 2023) |
| Notable Victories | Defeated Rachael Ostovich via armbar submission at Invicta FC 14 |
| Notable Losses | Lost to Roxanne Modafferi and Joanne Calderwood via decision |
| Notable Wins | Defeated Antonina Shevchenko via triangle armbar submission |
| Personal Moniker | Known as “KGB” due to her coach thinking she looked Russian |
| Controversy | Involved in domestic violence incident with her husband, Donny Aaron |
Andrea Lee is an American mixed martial artist and kickboxer representing the American Top Team in the UFC. She is basically known as the female version of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Because of this, she is dubbed as “The Pretty Boy Floyd” by her fans. She has been fighting in the UFC since Cyborg vs Holm, on March 14, 2015 where she won by TKO (technical knockout). Andrea Lee has earned a total to date of $100,000 from her five fights in the UFC.
24. Paige VanZant
| Paige VanZant | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paige Michelle VanZant |
| Nickname | 12 Gauge |
| Birthdate | March 26, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Dundee, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Professions | Mixed martial artist, bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, author, model |
| Notable Organizations | Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), All Elite Wrestling, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight (2012–2017), Flyweight (2017–present) |
| Reach | 65 in (165 cm) |
| Fighting Out Of | Coconut Creek, Florida |
| Training Team | Team Alpha Male (2013–2017), Team Quest (2017–2019), American Top Team Portland (2017–2020), American Top Team Miami (2020–present) |
| Trainer | Pedro Diaz (boxing) |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Fabiano Scherner |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
This American mixed martial artist is best known for her victory against Ronda Rousey in the first season of the UFC. Paige VanZant has earned a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in her professional career. Many say that Paige has a star sign that is also called “The Fire Monkey”. However, she prefers to call it “The Scorpio” instead and it coincidentally shares the same symbol as The Scorpion, a character from Chinese mythology often associated with bad luck.
25. Amanda Ribas
| Amanda Ribas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amanda Ribas |
| Born | August 26, 1993 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Fighting out of | Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Team | American Top Team (2016–present) |
| Ranking (Flyweight) | #11 in UFC women’s flyweight rankings |
| Ranking (Strawweight) | #11 in UFC women’s strawweight rankings |
| MMA Debut | 2014 |
| MMA Record | Total: 16 |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Rank | Black Belt |
| Judo Rank | Black Belt |
| Notable Wins | Emily Whitmire (Submission) |
| Fight of the Night | Katlyn Chookagian (May 14, 2022) |
Amanda Ribas is one of the highest-ranked bantamweight female fighters in the UFC. She is a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and an MMA fighter who is 6 feet tall and weighs 135 lbs. Her nickname is “Supernova” and she fights out of Brazil with her long brown hair and blue eyes. Another notable feature about Amanda Ribas is that she has a Brazilian Jiu jitsu purple belt.
Although Amanda Ribas is still considered a new name to UFC, she has made a significant impression by winning her first three fights inside the octagon. Her tenacity and technical skills make her a formidable opponent in the division. To learn more about other top female MMA fighters apart from Amanda Ribas, check out the list of the 50 most attractive and powerful female MMA fighters of 2021.
26. Angela Hill
| Angela Hill | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Angela Patrice Hill |
| Born | January 12, 1985 (age 38) |
| Birthplace | Prince George’s County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Other Names | Overkill |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Division | Flyweight (2014), Strawweight (2014–present) |
| Reach | 64 in (163 cm) |
| Team | Alliance MMA |
| Rank | Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years Active | 2014–present |
| Championships | Invicta FC Strawweight Champion, former World Kickboxing Association champion |
| UFC Ranking | #15 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cooper Union school of art |
| Previous Careers | Animator in animation studios, bartender |
| Hobbies | Video gaming and cosplaying, known for appearing in costume before fights |
| Notable Victories | Alida Gray (TKO), Stephanie Eggink (KO), Lívia Renata Souza (Split Decision) |
| Notable Fights | Rose Namajunas (Submission loss), Tecia Torres (Loss), Claudia Gadelha (Loss), Michelle Waterson (Loss) |
| Notable Wins | Ashley Yoder (Decision), Maryna Moroz (Decision), Jodie Esquibel (Decision) |
| Fight of the Night | Earned Fight of the Night honors in several bouts |
Angela Hill is a mixed martial artist who holds the UFC record for the most wins by a female fighter. Angela was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Before she began her mixed martial arts career, Angela was also a four-year member of the United States Military. She currently fights for Invicta FC in Las Vegas. Angela’s nickname is “The Stunning” and she stands at 5 feet and 6 inches tall.
27. Ronda Rousey
| Ronda Rousey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronda Jean Rousey |
| Birthdate | February 1, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Other Names | Rowdy, The Baddest Woman On The Planet |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler, Actress, Former Judoka, and Mixed Martial Artist |
| Wrestling Company | WWE (performs on the SmackDown brand) |
| UFC Career | Former UFC Bantamweight Champion, Record Holder for Most UFC Title Defenses (6) |
| Olympic Medal | First American Woman to Win an Olympic Medal in Judo (Bronze, 2008 Summer Olympics) |
| MMA Career | Former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion |
| Retirement | Retired from MMA in 2016, Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 |
| Professional Wrestling | Signed with WWE in 2018, Debut at WrestleMania 34, Multiple Championships |
| Film Appearances | The Expendables 3 (2014), Furious 7 (2015), Mile 22 (2018), and more |
| Personal Life | Overcame Speech Disorder, Raised between Jamestown and Southern California |
| Training | Hayastan MMA Academy, Glendale Fighting Club, Gracie Academy, and more |
| Additional Career | Actress, Writer (Released Autobiography “My Fight / Your Fight” in 2015) |
Ronda Rousey is the world’s most famous female fighter in the UFC. She has trained in Judo since she was young. She broke into the public eye when she beat Miesha Tate at UFC Tate vs Rousey to become Women’s Bantamweight Champion at only 25 years of age. Her popularity has gone viral and her fan base has even gone beyond the limits of her homeland. She is a perfect example of how popularity can turn one’s life upside down.
If you want to know more about Ronda Rousey’s career and achievements, you should head over to 50 Most Attractive and Powerful Female MMA Fighters article. The article highlights the most successful female MMA fighters, including Ronda Rousey, and provides insights into their fighting styles, best fights, and amazing victories.
28. Ariane Lipski
| Ariane Lipski | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariane Lipski |
| Birthdate | January 26, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Curitiba, Parana, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Other Names | The Queen of Violence |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Fighting out of | Coconut Creek, Florida, USA |
| Team | Rasthai, American Top Team (2020–present) |
| Teacher(s) | Renato Rasta |
| Rank | Black belt in Muay Thai, Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
| Championships | Former KSW Women’s Flyweight Champion |
| UFC Debut | January 19, 2019 |
| UFC Record | 3 wins, 4 losses |
| Notable Wins | Submission victory over Luana Carolina (UFC Fight Night 172) |
| Notable Losses | Technical knockout against Antonina Shevchenko (UFC 255) |
This Brazilian fighter has been called the Queen of Jiu Jitsu by many fans and media. Ariane Lipski is one of the few female fighters who have made it to the UFC and captured a UFC belt. She beat Jessica Aguilar in her first round, which took place at UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil. It was a submission win by 2nd round armbar.
29. Cheyanne Buys (Vlismas)
| Cheyanne Buys | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheyanne Buys (Vlismas) |
| Nickname | The Warrior Princess |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States |
| Age | 28 |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Fighting Style | Taekwondo |
| Training Team | Xtreme Couture, Fortis MMA |
| Years Active | 2018–present |
| MMA Record (Total) | 10 fights |
| Wins | 7 (2 by knockout, 5 by decision) |
| Losses | 3 (all by decision) |
This newcomer was originally from Canada, but later moved to the United States of America. Even at a young age, this girl has always had a keen interest in martial arts and her skills have developed far beyond her peers. She started to compete in show boxing, fashion modeling and wrestling until Cheyanne Buys (Vlismas) joined the UFC. She’s trained under famous MMA fighters like Dan Henderson, Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir among others to reach her current position.
30. Carla Esparza
| Carla Esparza | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carla Kristen Esparza |
| Birthdate | October 10, 1987 |
| Age | 35 |
| Birthplace | Torrance, California, US |
| Other Names | Cookie Monster |
| Residence | Redondo Beach, California, US |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Reach | 63 in (160 cm) |
| Style | Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Fighting out of | Redondo Beach, California, United States |
| Team | Team Oyama |
| Notable Titles | Two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| UFC Rankings | #1 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings |
| Wrestling Background | Started wrestling in high school and won multiple tournaments |
| College Wrestling | Women’s wrestling All-American at Menlo College |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training | Trained at the Gracie Academy and Team Oyama |
| Notable Fights | Defeated Felice Herrig, Jessica Penne, and Rose Namajunas |
| Record | Total Wins: 19 (4 by knockout, 4 by submission, 11 by decision) |
Carla Esparza was a recent UFC fighter who made the attention of MMA fans all around the world when she won her debut match on the octagon. Her victory earned her the title “The Queen of Sprawl” and with this title, she quickly became known as one of the best female fighters in the UFC.
Her most memorable fight is when she fought Tecia Torres for a spot in the TUF 21 Finale against Ronda Rousey’s potential challenger.
31. Rose Namajunas
| Rose Namajunas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rose Gertrude Namajunas |
| Nickname | Thug |
| Born | June 29, 1992 (age 31) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg; 8 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Fighting out of | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Trainers | Trevor Wittman, Pat Barry, Greg Nelson |
| Rank | Black belt in Taekwondo, Black belt in Karate, Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years Active | 2010–present (MMA) |
| UFC Women’s Strawweight Rankings | #2 |
| UFC Women’s Pound-for-Pound Rankings | #4 |
| Background | Former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| Lithuanian Heritage | Regularly visits Lithuania, communicates in Lithuanian with grandparents |
| Early Life | Grew up in a tough neighborhood, nicknamed “Thug Rose” |
| Educational Background | Graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts, accomplished cross-country runner |
| Martial Arts Journey | Started practicing taekwondo at age 5, earned junior black belt at age 9, trained in karate, BJJ, and MMA |
| Notable Victories | Paige VanZant, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Michelle Waterson |
| Personal Achievements | Multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses in the UFC |
| Additional Activities | Competed in grappling matches and ADCC competitions alongside MMA career |
| Current Rankings | #2 in UFC women’s strawweight rankings, #4 in UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings |
Rose Namajunas is a current UFC bantamweight champion, who has only fought in the UFC. She is one of the most powerful fighters in the division. Her record includes seven wins with zero losses. She entered into judo in the fifth grade and always stuck to her training that lead her to capture this title. Namajunas was named as The Ring’s “Female Fighter of the Year” for 2016 and “Fighter of the Year” for 2017.