The Greatest Female MMA Fighters of All Time

The MMA octagon has produced some of the most amazing talent, but this exquisite aptitude has not only been demonstrated by male fighters. Female fighters have also made remarkable contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their achievements and skill sets have elevated women’s MMA by shattering stereotypes and showcasing extraordinary talent, earning their place among the greatest in MMA history.

The Early Pioneers

The early days of women’s MMA were marked by the bravery and talent of fighters like Gina Carano and Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino. Carano gained widespread recognition in the mid-2000s, showcasing her skills in Strikeforce and EliteXC from 2006 to 2009. Her charisma and fighting prowess helped bring attention to women’s MMA during a time when it struggled for legitimacy.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, who began her MMA career in 2005, quickly became known for her relentless fighting style and dominance in the cage. She rose to greatness with her powerful striking and formidable presence, particularly during her reign as the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion from 2009 to 2011. Cyborg’s influence extended beyond her victories, as she played a decisive role in proving that women could compete at the highest levels of MMA.

Dominant Champions

Women’s MMA saw the rise of several dominant champions who left an enduring legacy in the sport.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey, a US champion, was a pioneer who brought unprecedented attention to women’s MMA. Starting her professional career in 2011, Rousey quickly became the first female champion in the UFC, holding the bantamweight title from 2012 to 2015. Her exceptional judo skills and submission techniques, particularly her signature armbar, made her one of the most feared and respected fighters in the sport. Rousey’s influence helped propel women’s MMA into the mainstream, earning her a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018. Although she retired from MMA, her impact on the sport remains eminent.

Amanda Nunes

The Brazilian fighter, Amanda Nunes has established herself as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, regardless of gender. She became the UFC bantamweight champion in 2016 and added the featherweight title in 2018, making her the first woman to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Nunes is known for her powerful striking and well-rounded skill set, with significant victories over top fighters like Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm. Amanda Nunes is still an active fighter and continues to defend her titles, solidifying her legacy.

Valentina Shevchenko

Valentina Shevchenko, a fighter from Kyrgyzstan, has dominated the flyweight division since becoming the UFC champion in 2018. Known for her technical striking and tactical skill, Shevchenko has defended her title multiple times against top contenders. Her ability to outclass opponents with precision and intelligence has solidified her status as one of the best fighters in the sport.

Women’s MMA Today

Women’s MMA continues to thrive with new talents emerging and current champions defending their titles. Fighters like Rose Namajunas, Zhang Weili, and Julianna Peña are making significant impacts in their respective divisions. Their performances in the octagon have captivated audiences worldwide, and their successes contribute to the growing popularity of women’s MMA.

This surge in interest is also reflected in the betting world, where more people are placing bets on women’s MMA events. Platforms like casinojager.com provide a useful source of various safe and secure online casinos, helping enthusiasts find the best sites for their betting needs.

These champions and rising stars have not only achieved outstanding success in the octagon but continue to play pivotal roles in elevating women’s MMA to new heights. The influence of these fighters extends beyond their victories, as they have also helped to increase the sport’s popularity and inspire a new generation of athletes.