In the ever-changing world of mixed martial arts, the UFC Women’s Rankings for 2024 paint a picture of skill, determination, and fierce competition.
From the strawweight division to the bantamweights, female fighters are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the octagon. Let’s dive into the current state of UFC Women’s Rankings and explore the champions, contenders, and rising stars shaping the sport.
The Rise of Women’s MMA in the UFC
The UFC has come a long way since introducing women’s divisions. What started with Ronda Rousey’s groundbreaking debut has blossomed into a thriving ecosystem of female talent.
Today, UFC Women’s Rankings in 2024 are as hotly contested as their male counterparts, with each weight class boasting unique storylines and rivalries.
Key Milestones in UFC Women’s MMA:
- 2013: Ronda Rousey becomes the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion
- 2014: Introduction of the Women’s Strawweight division
- 2017: Creation of the Women’s Flyweight division
- 2024: Women headline multiple UFC pay-per-view events
Strawweight Division (115 lbs)
The UFC Women’s Strawweight Rankings showcase some of the most technical fighters in the sport. A familiar face sits at the top of the heap, but the challengers are hungrier than ever.
Current Champion: Zhang Weili
Zhang Weili, China’s first UFC champion, continues to dominate the Strawweight division. Her recent title defense at UFC 300 was a masterclass in striking and grappling, cementing her status as one of the pound-for-pound best.
Zhang Weil’s Championship Stats:
- Title Defenses: 4
- Significant Strikes Landed per Minute: 6.38
- Takedown Accuracy: 47%
Top Contenders
- Tatiana Suarez: The undefeated grappler with a wrestling pedigree that’s second to none. Suarez’s ground game has drawn comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
- Yan Xiaonan: China’s striking sensation who’s been steadily climbing the Women’s Strawweight Rankings. Her kickboxing background makes her a threat on the feet.
- Virna Jandiroba: A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with submission skills that keep opponents guessing.
- Amanda Lemos: Known for her explosive power, Lemos has been knocking on the door of title contention.
“The strawweight division is a shark tank. Every fight is a potential title eliminator.” – Daniel Cormier, UFC commentator.
Rising Stars to Watch
- Loopy Godinez: A Mexican-Canadian fighter known for her relentless pace and willingness to fight anyone, anytime.
- With crisp striking and improving grappling, Marina Rodriguez is always in the mix for top contender status.
Flyweight Division (125 lbs)
The Women’s Flyweight Rankings have long been dominated by one name: Valentina Shevchenko. However, 2024 saw some exciting developments that could shake up the division.
The Reign of Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko’s tenure as champion has been nothing short of legendary. Her mix of technical striking, sambo-based grappling, and fight IQ has made her nearly unbeatable.
Shevchenko’s Flyweight Dominance:
- 9 title defenses (UFC record for women’s divisions)
- 83% takedown defense
- 12 finishes in UFC/WEC competition
Contenders Making Waves
- Alexa Grasso: The Mexican prodigy who gave Shevchenko her most challenging test. Their rematch is highly anticipated.
- Manon Fiorot: France’s next big thing in MMA. Undefeated in the UFC with a kickboxing background that’s troubling for the entire division.
- Erin Blanchfield: At 24, Blanchfield has already cracked the top 5 of the Women’s Flyweight Rankings. Her grappling is elite, and her striking improves with every fight.
Division Evolution
The flyweight division has seen an influx of talent from both strawweight and bantamweight, making it one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC.
Notable Flyweight Transplants:
- Rose Namajunas (former strawweight champion)
- Jessica Andrade (former strawweight champion)
- Taila Santos (nearly dethroned Shevchenko in 2022)
Bantamweight Division (135 lbs)
The Women’s Bantamweight Rankings have seen a shakeup with the retirement of Amanda Nunes. Now, a new crop of fighters vie for supremacy in this historically significant division.
New Champion: Raquel Pennington
Raquel “Rocky” Pennington captured the vacant title in a hard-fought battle, showcasing her well-rounded skillset and never-say-die attitude.
Pennington’s Path to Gold:
- 5-fight win streak leading to title shot
- Victories over former champions and top contenders
- Known for high-volume striking and clinch work
Former Champions Looking to Reclaim Glory
- Julianna Peña: “The Venezuelan Vixen” shocked the world by submitting Amanda Nunes. Her grit and determination make her a perennial threat.
- Holly Holm: “The Preacher’s Daughter” continues to evolve her game, blending her world-class boxing with improved grappling.
Fresh Blood: Kayla Harrison’s Impact
The addition of Kayla Harrison to the UFC Women’s Rankings has sent shockwaves through the bantamweight division. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo brings a pedigree unlike any other.
Harrison’s UFC Debut:
- First-round TKO victory
- 100% takedown success rate
- Immediate title shot discussions
Cross-Divisional Movements and Their Impact on UFC Women’s Rankings
The fluidity between weight classes has become a defining feature of women’s MMA in the UFC. Fighters are increasingly willing to test themselves in multiple divisions, leading to some fascinating matchups and rankings shakeups.
Two-Division Threats
- Jessica Andrade: The Brazilian powerhouse has competed in three weight classes, holding wins over top-ranked fighters. Her ability to maintain power while moving up in weight is remarkable.
- Amanda Ribas: Flourishing in both strawweight and flyweight, Ribas’s technical grappling and improved striking make her a threat in multiple divisions.
Weight Class Transitions
Fighter Original Division New Division Impact on Rankings
Rose Namajunas Strawweight Flyweight Immediate top 5 ranking
Mackenzie Dern Strawweight Catchweight bouts Flexibility in matchmaking
Norma Dumont Featherweight Bantamweight Rising contender status
Global Representation in Women’s UFC
The UFC Women’s Rankings reflect the global nature of the sport, with champions and contenders hailing from every corner of the world.
Nationality Breakdown in Top 15 Rankings (All Divisions)
- United States: 28%
- Brazil: 22%
- China: 10%
- Mexico: 8%
- Russia: 6%
- Other: 26%
Emerging MMA Hotbeds for Female Fighters
- China: Led by Zhang Weili, China has become a powerhouse in the lighter-weight classes.
- France: Manon Fiorot spearheads a new wave of French talent making waves in the UFC.
- Mexico: With a new champion in Alexa Grasso, Mexico’s women’s MMA scene is thriving.
Training Evolution in Women’s MMA
The level of athleticism and technique in women’s MMA has skyrocketed, thanks in part to evolving training methods and specialized camps.
Specialized Camps for Female Fighters
- American Top Team’s Women’s Program
- Jackson Wink MMA’s Female Fighter Development
- Invicta FC’s Talent Pipeline
Cross-Training and Diverse Martial Arts Backgrounds
UFC Women’s Rankings are filled with athletes from diverse martial arts backgrounds, including:
- Olympic-level judokas (Kayla Harrison)
- Muay Thai champions (Joanna Jedrzejczyk)
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champions (Mackenzie Dern)
- Wrestling Olympians (Sara McMann)
This cross-pollination of styles has led to a more well-rounded and unpredictable fighting landscape.
Media Coverage and Fan Engagement
Women’s MMA has seen a surge in popularity, reflected in both media coverage and fan engagement metrics.
Pay-Per-View Numbers for Women’s Main Events
- UFC 300 (Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez): 1.2 million buys
- UFC 297 (Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso II): 800,000 buys
Social Media Influence of Top-Ranked Fighters
Fighter Instagram Followers Twitter Followers TikTok Followers
Zhang Weili 2.8M 450K 5.2M
Valentina Shevchenko 3.2M 520K 1.8M
Rose Namajunas 2.5M 380K 3.5M
The social media presence of these athletes has become a crucial part of their brand and marketability, often influencing their position in the UFC Women’s Rankings beyond just their in-cage performances.
Future of Women’s Divisions in the UFC
As we look ahead, the future of women’s MMA in the UFC seems brighter than ever. The Women’s Rankings are more competitive and dynamic than ever in the sport’s history.
Potential New Weight Classes
There’s been discussion about introducing a 105 lbs atomweight division, which could open up new opportunities for more minor athletes and shake up the existing Women’s Strawweight Rankings.
Upcoming Prospects to Watch
- Erin Blanchfield: Already in the top 5, many see her as a future champion.
- Casey O’Neill: Undefeated and rapidly climbing the flyweight rankings.
- Miranda Maverick: A PhD student with a well-rounded game that’s improving with every fight.
Conclusion
The UFC Women’s Rankings in 2024 tell a story of incredible growth, fierce competition, and global representation. From the technical mastery of Zhang Weili to the raw power of Kayla Harrison, women’s MMA has never been more exciting or unpredictable.
As we look to the future, one thing is sure: the landscape of Women’s Rankings in the UFC will continue to evolve.
New stars will rise, champions will be challenged, and competition will only increase. For fans of the sport, there’s never been a better time to follow women’s MMA.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, keeping an eye on the UFC Women’s Rankings in 2024 is your window into one of the most dynamic and exciting aspects of mixed martial arts. The octagon awaits, and these women are ready to put on a show.
James Wesley is a passionate martial arts enthusiast and the voice behind Martial Aura. With a deep love for UFC and combat sports, he shares expert insights and in-depth analysis on everything from fight strategies to athlete profiles. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him training or watching the latest fights, always learning from the best in the ring.
