If you think the MMA octagon is solely a man’s world, it’s high time we rectified that. Let’s dive into the fierce world of female MMA fighters who’ve kicked, punched, and grappled their way into the history books. Here’s our list of ten of the greatest female MMA warriors to enter the octagon.
Gina Carano via MMA Origins | MMA Documentaries YouTube
Ronda Rousey
You can’t start a list like this without mentioning Ronda. Before becoming a household name, she was an Olympic judo medalist. Rousey’s armbar became legendary, with most of her bouts ending in the first round. The former UFC and Strikeforce champ certainly paved the way for many.
Besides her MMA dominance, Ronda has showcased her athleticism in WWE, where she became the RAW Women’s Champion.
Cris Cyborg
Cyborg’s power is unparalleled. Holding titles in Strikeforce, Invicta, UFC, and Bellator, her striking is simply a class apart. The Brazilian powerhouse’s record speaks for itself. She’s not just fierce in the cage.
Cyborg is a humanitarian and often embarks on charity missions to help impoverished communities.
Amanda Nunes
Dubbed “The Lioness,” Nunes boasts wins over both Rousey and Cyborg. Holding belts in two weight classes simultaneously, her prowess in the octagon is undeniable.
Nunes and her partner, fellow fighter Nina Ansaroff, welcomed a daughter in 2020, adding ‘mother’ to her list of titles.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk
The Polish fighter’s striking skill set is second to none in the strawweight division. With multiple title defenses, her name is synonymous with dominance.
Beyond fighting, Joanna has a master’s degree in Physical Education and has also appeared on the Polish version of “Dancing with the Stars.”
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Holly Holm
Who can forget her head-kick heard around the world against Rousey? A former boxing champ, Holm’s transition to MMA has been more than successful.
Holm, before her MMA stint, was a professional kickboxer and has a record of 33 wins in boxing alone!
Rose Namajunas
“Thug” Rose has a fighting style as striking as her nickname. Her wins against Joanna and Zhang Weili showcased her evolution in the sport.
Rose’s journey is an inspiration. She escaped a rough childhood and used martial arts as a means to bring purpose and discipline into her life.
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Valentina Shevchenko
The “Bullet” is a dynamo in the flyweight division. With her Muay Thai background, she’s handed some unforgettable defeats. This Muay Thai expert is also fluent in Spanish, English, and Russian, showcasing her diverse skill set.
Gina Carano
Before MMA hit mainstream, there was Carano. While her MMA career was short-lived, her importance in popularizing women’s MMA is immeasurable.
Post-MMA, Carano transitioned to acting and has starred in major films such as “Deadpool” and the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.”
Miesha Tate
“Cupcake” Tate has worn many hats: from fighter to commentator. Her gritty style and never-say-die attitude have earned her a spot on our list. Outside the octagon, Miesha’s an avid outdoors enthusiast, often sharing her hiking adventures on social media.
Jessica Andrade
Last but not least, Brazil’s Andrade is a force to be reckoned with in any weight class. Her power and tenacity have seen her battle with the best in the business.
Andrade started her combat sports journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has a black belt in the discipline.
So, there you have it! A walk through MMA’s hall of femme fatales. These ladies have not just broken barriers but have proven time and again that they pack a punch (or kick) just as hard, if not harder, than their male counterparts. If you ever find yourself underestimating female fighters, just remember this list and think again.
Who’d make it onto your list? Let us know in the comments below and across social media.