The prominent thought among most non-UFC fans is that testosterone-filled men primarily dominate the sport. Yet, female combatants have been involved in UFC events since 2012. Since Ronda Rousey set the stage, several memorable women have graced the octagon cage. Here are some of the best MMA women fighters.
Cris Cyborg
Boasting of a successful career spanning more than ten years, Cris Cyborg can be considered as the greatest woman in UFC and MMA at large. She has stood head and shoulders above the rest. Few female competitors can match her intensity, skill, and experience.
She has steamrolled through championships in several MMA competitions such as UFC, StrikeForce, and Invictus FC. Not even the drug-ban controversy could overshadow her achievements. UFC fanatics will forever miss her.
Amanda Nunes
The Lioness Nunes is among a handful of opponents to defeat Cyborg. Her knockout bantamweight victory against the unstoppable Cyborg will forever be etched in the minds of UFC lovers. Her aggressive style has had admiration from fans and, at the same time, scared off opponents.
Amanda has defended her title against formidable fighters such as Raquel Pennington, Shevchenko, and Rousey. She currently is on a 10-fight unbeaten run, and recently ruthlessly out-wrestled Germaine de Randamie for the Featherweight Championship.
Ronda Rousey
At the top of her game, Ronda Rousey was a freak, an untouchable force that reigned terror across the UFC. She was seen as the poster girl of the UFC and famously remembered for her 14-second win over Cat Zingano.
Her world came crashing down when she suffered a devastating loss against Holly Holm. She never recovered, and even lost to Amanda Nunes. Those losses signified her end in UFC. She subsequently packed up and headed to WWE, where she is doing much better.
Honorable mentions go to outstanding fighters such as Rose Namajunas, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Valentina Shevchenko, Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate.