The Best in the World: Five Female Fighters In the UFC’s Bantamweight Division
If you talk about the largest mixed martial arts organization in the world, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is probably one of the biggest out there. This organization is no doubt showcasing the best international fighters in the world. However, the UFC last year was a bit lacking because of the pandemic.
The crowd in attendance is sure to be one of the most important elements to the UFC. This year can be the most exciting year for fans and fighters! Plenty of opportunities, especially for fighters, are ready to kick off this year. As most people know, mixed martial arts is primarily dominated by men. However, MMA does have excellent and powerful female athletes.
The Women’s Bantamweight Division is 126-135 lbs (57.2-61.2 kg). This division last year was not a good year for women athletes. There were not many activities for the athletes as before. A little overview of 2020’s match-ups can provide a little glimpse of what to expect this year. Here is FanDuel’s favorites list of the top women’s bantamweights in the UFC today.
1. Amanda Lourenço Nunes
Considered as one of the most outstanding Mixed Martial Artists of all time, Amanda Nunes is known as the “Lioness”. She is a professional Brazilian mixed martial artist. Currently she reigns as a champion in two divisions: Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight of the UFC.
The Lioness only fought once in 2020. Her journey to her notable career was never easy as she needed to go through champion athletes. The Lioness defeated Valentina Shevchenko, Miesha Tate, and Germaine de Randamie. She stopped Holly Holm and is also responsible for handing Cris Cyborg her first defeat in almost 14 years. Amanda is also the one who put Ronda Rousey into retirement.
During her fight against Cris Cyborg, she held the record as the first female two-division champion and the third fighter to hold titles in two weight classes in UFC history. Indeed a strong woman who can knock her opponent out in 51 seconds, Nunes is one of the best fighters in the world regardless of gender.
RELATED: Claressa Shields on Amanda Nunes: “You May See Me And Her Fighting!”
2. Germaine de Randamie
Germaine de Randamie is known to be “The Iron Lady” of the Netherlands. Additionally, she is known to be one of the least experienced fighters but understands how to play the game incredibly! Before entering the UFC, de Randamie was an undefeated professional kickboxer. It is also no secret she was a policewoman.
Every time she sets foot in the octagon, her goal is just to finish the fight. She emphasized that she is not competing out of necessity but rather because she genuinely loves to fight. A passion every fighter should have! “The Iron Lady” was the first Women’s Featherweight Champion in UFC history. Currently, she is ranked first in the Bantamweight division.
3. Holly Holm
Holly Holm is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She was also a former professional boxer and kickboxer. During her first bantamweight title, Holm gave the famous Ronda Rousey her first loss in the sport. Who would have thought that a woman with not much experience would defeat Rousey in front of 56,214 people in Melbourne, Australia in 2015.
Also known by her nickname, “The Preacher’s Daughter” she is literally that. Holm is also currently ranked nine in the Top Ten Female MMA Athletes of 2021!
4. Aspen Ladd
Currently ranked number three in the Women’s Bantamweight division is Aspen Ladd. She is known to be a professional since 2015 and is undeniably one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the division. Last year was a nightmare for Ladd because of her injury.
Unlike many other fighters, Ladd said she didn’t need a nickname. What is her ability to finish the fight? She mentioned the key to a successful fight is her game planning. It’s all about pressuring her opponents and controlling the fight from the start. Ladd is a fighter who constantly thinks she needs to win and finish the fight in the best way.
5. Irene Aldana
Irene Aldana is a Mexican mixed martial artist. She is currently the ranked number four in the women’s UFC bantamweight rankings. Also known as the “Robles,” martial arts for Aldana was just a hobby for nine years. With a college degree in graphic design, her college years led to her growth in interest in martial arts.
She has been using her knowledge in graphic design through painting using her fist in every fight. The Mexican fighting spirit has brought her power to every performance. She believes and is proud that every Mexican has the blood of a fighter.
Conclusion
Despite all the challenges brought by the pandemic, these women still have the spirit to make every fight exciting for fans. The fighter’s unique abilities and skills make it more highly anticipating to look out for in 2021!
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