The UFC is the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, bringing together the world’s best fighters in a dynamic and diverse competitive environment. The strawweight division, which lies between the light bantamweight and heavier flyweight divisions, is one of the key pillars that makes the UFC reach this level.
The UFC Strawweight division, exclusive to female fighters, is one of the organization’s most dynamic and competitive weight classes. Established in 2014, the division has quickly become known for its fast-paced, technically skilled bouts and a roster of highly talented athletes. The weight of competitors in the strawweight division lies between 106 and 115 lb. Let’s check Top 10 UFC Strawweight Fighters.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz(16-8, 1KO)
A mixed martial artist from Poland named Karolina Kowalkiewicz made her UFC debut in 2015. Karolina made her UFC debut against Randa Markos in the strawweight division. Karolina had a great beginning to her UFC career as she prevailed unanimously.
Karolina fought in the Strawweight category for most of his UFC career. She was the KSW Women’s Flyweight Champion in the past. Kowalkiewicz showed her technical hitting and versatility as she swiftly advanced through the ranks of Strawweight.
Tatiana Suarez (11-0, 2KO)
American professional mixed martial artist, former wrestler, and UFC fighter Tatiana Suarez made her UFC debut on July 8, 2016, during The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. Suarez’s victory in The Ultimate Fighter 23 proved her abilities and promise in mixed martial arts.
Suarez is still a favourite among fans for her thrilling fighting style. She is a serious contender for the UFC Strawweight belt as she advances in her career after she overcomes injury setbacks.
Rose Namajunas(13-6,2KO)
American professional mixed martial artist Rose Namajunas made her UFC debut on December 12, 2014, during The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale. She is a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship Women’s Flyweight division.
In her debut fight, Namajunas surprised the mixed martial arts community by putting down the former champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and taking home the UFC Strawweight title. The fact that they fought again confirmed Namajunas’s title as champion.
Gillian Robertson (13-8,2KO)
Gillian Robertson is a mixed martial artist from Canada. She made her UFC debut on December 1, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale. She currently fights in the UFC strawweight division and is ranked #15 in the UFC women’s strawweight standings as of May 21, 2024. Due to her excellent gripping and submission expertise, Robertson had a successful career as of 2024. She is the record holder for most submission wins in the women’s Flyweight division of the UFC.
Carla Esparza(20-7,4KO)
Carla Esparza is an American professional mixed martial artist and wrestler who competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in which she is the former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion. Esparza made her UFC debut on December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale.
Esparza has faced many top contenders in the UFC’s Strawweight division and has consistently been ranked among the top fighters. With the victory, Esparza set a record for the longest time between UFC title reigns by any fighter, male or female, at 2,612 days.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-5, 4KO)
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a former Polish professional mixed martial artist. Joanna debuted in UFC on July 26, 2014. In her debut fight, Joanna faced Juliana Lima in the Strawweight division. Joanna won the fight unanimously, marking the remarkable beginning of her journey in the UFC.
Joanna’s defining moment came on March 14, 2015, at UFC 185, where Joanna challenged Carla Esparza for the UFC Strawweight Championship. Joanna defeats Esparza in the second round to capture the title, becoming the first female Strawweight champion from Poland in UFC history.
Angela Hill(17-13,5KO)
Angela Hill is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division. Hill debuted in UFC on February 4, 2017. Hill has faced numerous top contenders in the UFC’s Strawweight division and is well-known for her exciting fighting style and skillful mindset.
Angela continued his hard work to compete actively in the UFC’s Strawweight division, facing tough opponents and consistently delivering entertaining performances. With a diverse martial arts background and relentless aggression, she has become a fan favorite and a staple of the women’s MMA scene.
Amanda Lemos(14-3-1, 8KO)
Brazilian mixed martial artist Amanda Lemos fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the strawweight class. She currently ranks #3 in the UFC women’s strawweight divisions as of January 23, 2024.
On November 11, 2017, Lemos made her UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 120. Lemos has remained unbeaten throughout her UFC career, establishing her position as a rising superstar in the strawweight class. Amanda Lemos is a rising star in one of the most competitive MMA categories and became one of the Top 10 UFC Strawweight Fighters .
Jessica Andrade (26-12, 10KO)
Jessica Andrade is a professional mixed martial artist from Brazil who is an active fighter in the UFC. She was previously the UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and competed in the women’s Flyweight and Strawweight divisions.
On July 15, 2013, Andrade made her UFC debut at UFC 163, competing against Liz Carmouche in a bantamweight match. This was Carmouche’s first-ever UFC fight. With a second-round TKO victory, Andrade successfully launched her UFC career. Andrade debuted in the strawweight class, where she eventually settled in making him one of the Top 10 UFC Strawweight Fighters.
Zhang Weili (25-3,11KO)
Zhang Weili is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist. She competes in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where she is the current and two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion.
Zhang debuted her UFC career on August 4, 2018, at UFC 227. She defeated Jessica Andrade in a dominant UFC Fight Night 157 performance and captured the UFC Strawweight title. Zhang quickly rose through the UFC’s Strawweight division ranks, earning impressive victories over top contenders and capturing the UFC Strawweight Championship. These achievements make Zhang one of the top 10 UFC strawweight fighters. Check out the list of top 10 UFC Welterweight fighters of all time.
