Mixed martial arts (MMA) has evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, and female fighters are making a significant impact both inside and outside the cage.
The hottest top female MMA fighters not only possess exceptional talent, strength, and athleticism but also break barriers in combat sports while defying gender stereotypes.
From UFC veterans to rising stars, these women prove that beauty and brawn can go hand-in-hand.
32 Hottest Beautiful Female MMA Fighters
Here are the 32 hottest female MMA fighters of all time, including names like Holly Holm, Michelle Waterson, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Paige VanZant, and more.
Grace Cleveland
Grace Cleveland is a prime example of the exciting fusion between sheer beauty and raw fighting talent in the world of women’s MMA. As one of the top hottest female MMA fighters as of 2023, Cleveland has carved her own legacy not only through her stunning looks but also by showcasing an unwavering dedication to martial arts.
Hailing from Bozeman, Montana, Grace “Thai Kitten” Cleveland competes primarily as a flyweight fighter while representing SBG Montana gym under head coach Travis Davison.
With her Muay Thai background and relentless work ethic, she creates a perfect balance between strength and beauty that inspires countless MMA enthusiasts.
Holly Holm
Holly Holm, a former professional boxer turned mixed martial artist, has earned her spot on the list of hottest female MMA fighters not only for her striking beauty but also for her impressive skills inside the octagon.
Holm’s success as an athlete extends beyond physical appearances; she is known for her precise striking and exceptional footwork, primarily utilizing kicks to dominate opponents.
Her most notable victory came when she knocked out Ronda Rousey with a head kick at UFC 193 in 2015 – one of the greatest upsets in combat sports history.
Beyond fighting prowess, Holly Holm promotes female empowerment within women’s combat sports by setting an example through dedication to fitness and health.
Randa Markos
Randa Markos, a fierce competitor in the MMA world, consistently stuns audiences with her athleticism and skill. Born in Iraq and raised in Canada, she began training in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
As one of the UFC’s most dynamic female fighters, Markos sports an impressive record within the women’s strawweight division.
The “Quiet Storm,” as Randa is nicknamed, has become a fan favorite not only for her good looks but also for overcoming adversity throughout her journey to success.
From escaping war-torn Iraq to facing financial challenges early on in life – nothing has stopped this resilient athlete from proving herself time and again inside the octagon.
Jessica Eye
Jessica Eye is an American professional MMA fighter competing in the flyweight division of the UFC. She has been a part of the UFC since 2013 and is known for her striking abilities.
Eye’s career has not been without its challenges, including a losing streak between 2016-2017 that saw her lose five straight fights.
In addition to her fighting skills, Jessica Eye has also been praised for her toughness and resilience. In a fight against Sarah Kaufman in 2014, she suffered a brutal eye injury but was able to continue fighting until the end of the bout.
This display of grit earned her widespread admiration from fans and fellow fighters alike.
Michelle Waterson
Michelle Waterson is a former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion and current UFC Strawweight contender. She is also known as “The Karate Hottie” due to her good looks and impressive striking skills.
In addition to being a talented fighter, Michelle has also been recognized for her role in promoting women’s MMA. She was one of the first female fighters signed to the UFC when they introduced the strawweight division in 2014.
Her victories against top-ranked opponents have helped pave the way for other women in combat sports. Off-camera, Michelle is also a dedicated mother who balances parenthood with her rigorous training schedule.
Juli Firso
Despite this Russian competitor is only 21 years old, she seriously turns some heads at American Top Team. Firso is currently a professional competitor in Muay Thai and kickboxing but she can easily become the next significant name in female MMA.
Firso is currently preparing for her first MMA fight, and this is how she described her experience when she was punched for the first time in FloCombat:
“I was in Thailand when someone suggested I go to thai boxing class to take pictures, but I wanted to give it a try. I immediately fell in love with the training but never thought I would actually become a fighter. I eventually accepted my first fight and it was more of a casual thing. I didn’t know if I had the skills but I was game enough to try. And I got destroyed in that first fight.”
“My face was destroyed in that fight,” she added. “The fight took place three days after I accepted it and I had never sparred before. That result may have been enough to turn lesser people away, but character is very big with me. I knew everything would heal and it did, but proving you can get back up and come back stronger is the most important thing.”
Anastasia Yankova
Anastasia Yankova is a Russian mixed martial artist who has made a name for herself in the women’s MMA scene. With her striking good looks and impressive skills inside the octagon, Yankova has quickly become a fan favorite.
Yankova started her professional MMA career in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most promising fighters in Bellator MMA. Her record currently stands at five wins and one loss, with three of those victories coming by way of submission.
Off the mat, she is also an accomplished model and has appeared in numerous magazines across Eastern Europe.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a Polish mixed martial artist who made her professional debut in 2012. She quickly gained notoriety for her striking ability and went on to become the UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion from March 2015 to November 2017.
Aside from her impressive fighting skills, Joanna has also been recognized for her physical beauty and fashion sense. In 2021, she was named “Miss MMA” by Fight Bananas magazine and often shares stylish outfits and makeup looks on her social media platforms.
Lena Ovchynnikova
Lena Ovchynnikova is a Ukrainian mixed martial artist who has made a name for herself in the world of MMA. As an accomplished kickboxer, she has amassed an impressive record of 13 wins and 5 losses, with several notable victories over high-profile opponents.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Ovchynnikova is also recognized for her striking good looks and unique tattoos. She often shares photos on social media showcasing her training regimen and personal life outside of the octagon.
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Alexa Grasso
Alexa Grasso is a Mexican mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division of the UFC. Known for her striking skills and aggressive fighting style, Grasso has a professional record of 12 wins and 4 losses.
Apart from her impressive performances in the octagon, many fans also appreciate Grasso’s beauty and charisma. Her good looks have earned her a spot on various lists of the hottest female MMA fighters online.
However, what sets her apart from other fighters on these lists is her dedication to fitness and health.
Miesha Tate
Miesha Tate is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC and Strikeforce organizations. She is considered one of the pioneers of women’s MMA, having started her career in 2007 before the sport gained mainstream recognition.
In addition to her fighting career, Tate has also worked as a commentator and analyst for various MMA events. She has been involved in promoting gender equality in combat sports and advocating for better representation and opportunities for female fighters.
Bruna Ellen
Bruna Ellen is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division. She began her professional MMA career in 2014 and has since amassed an impressive record of 12 wins and just two losses.
Off the mat, Ellen is known for embracing fitness as a lifestyle, sharing workout tips on social media platforms such as Instagram. Her dedication to training both physically and mentally has been noted by fans and fellow fighters alike.
Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist who has made quite an impression in the sport. She first gained attention as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, winning numerous championships and earning her black belt at just 19 years old.
Dern has had some ups and downs during her MMA career, including controversial weight-cutting issues that led to missed fights. However, she has also had some impressive victories, such as her submission win over Hannah Cifers in 2020.
Alejandra Lara
Alejandra Lara is a Colombian mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s flyweight division of Bellator MMA. She made her professional debut in 2011 and has since amassed an impressive record of 9 wins and 4 losses.
Lara is known for her well-rounded skills, with success both on the ground and standing up. Her striking ability has improved significantly over time, thanks to training at some of the best gyms around the world including Team Alpha Male in California.
Her fans adore her ferocity in fights as well as her stunning looks outside of it.
Tracy Cortez
Tracy Cortez is a rising star in the world of women’s MMA. With an impressive record of 9 wins and only 1 loss, she has quickly made a name for herself in the sport.
Since then, Cortez has continued to impress with her relentless fighting style and determination in the octagon. In her most recent fight against Justine Kish at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs Gane, she showed off her grappling skills and took home another win by unanimous decision.
Bruna Vargas
Bruna Vargas is a rising star in the world of female MMA fighters. Born in Brazil, she has already made a name for herself with her impressive skills and striking looks. Vargas is known for her aggressive fighting style and has won several fights by way of knockout.
Despite being relatively new to the sport, Vargas has already caught the attention of fans and experts alike with her talent and determination. Her athletic build combined with her stunning beauty makes her one of the most talked-about female MMA fighters today.
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Andrea Lee
Andrea Lee, also known as “KGB,” is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division. She began her MMA career in 2014 and has since amassed an impressive record of 12 wins and just four losses.
Lee fought under various promotions before making her debut with the UFC in 2018. Her most notable victories include defeating Veronica Macedo by TKO at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs.
Volkov and Ashlee Evans-Smith via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Velasquez.
Felice Herrig
Felice Herrig is a well-known American mixed martial artist who has been making waves in the MMA world since her debut in 2009. In addition to being a talented fighter, Herrig is also known for her beauty and style outside of the octagon.
Herrig’s skills as an MMA fighter are impressive as well. She boasts a professional record of 14 wins and nine losses, with several notable victories over fellow female fighters such as Kailin Curran, Alexa Grasso, and Justine Kish.
Melissa Sophia Karagianis
Melissa Sophia Karagianis is a Canadian mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s flyweight division. She started her MMA career with a win against Jodie Lynne Esquibel at Invicta FC 13 and has since participated in several professional fights.
Karagianis is also known for being a model outside of the octagon. Her striking looks and athletic physique have earned her a spot on several lists of the hottest female fighters in MMA.
However, she strives to be recognized not only for her beauty but also for her dedication to her craft as an athlete and fighter.
Claudia Gadelha
Claudia Gadelha is a highly skilled and respected female MMA fighter from Brazil. She competes in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has an impressive record with 18 wins out of her 22 professional fights.
Aside from her athletic prowess, Gadelha also stands out for her inspiring journey to success. She came from humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro and had to work hard to overcome various obstacles such as poverty and injuries throughout her career.
Nevertheless, she persevered and became one of the top female fighters in the world today.
Ashley Yoder
Ashley Yoder is a 33-year-old American mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division. With a professional record of 8-7, Yoder made her debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2016 and has since fought some tough opponents.
What sets Ashley Yoder apart from other female MMA fighters is her unique fighting style that combines Brazilian jiu-jitsu with striking techniques. Her willingness to take on challenges has also led to exciting fights against established UFC fighters such as Mackenzie Dern, Nadia Kassem, and Randa Markos.
Rachael Ostovich
Rachael Ostovich is a Hawaiian MMA fighter who competes in the flyweight division of the UFC. She began her professional career in 2014 and has since amassed a record of 4 wins and 6 losses.
In addition to being a skilled fighter, Ostovich also uses her platform to advocate for women’s rights and social justice causes. In 2020, she spoke out against domestic violence after being a victim herself and used her experience as motivation to inspire other women to speak up about their own experiences.
Jinh Yu Frey
Jinh Yu Frey is a talented South Korean-American MMA fighter who competes in the Atomweight division. She began her fighting career in 2013 and has since built an impressive record, with notable victories over fighters such as Ashley Cummins and Ayaka Hamasaki.
Frey’s fighting style is characterized by her quick strikes, strong grappling skills, and ability to control the pace of the fight. Her athleticism and dedication to training have helped her become one of the top female fighters in her weight class.
Amanda Ribas
Amanda Ribas is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s strawweight division. She began her professional MMA career in 2014 and quickly gained attention for her impressive grappling skills and unwavering fighting spirit.
Not only is Ribas a talented fighter, but she also has an infectious personality that fans can’t help but love. Her positive attitude and playful demeanor have made her a fan favorite on social media, where she often shares behind-the-scenes moments from her training camp and personal life.
Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko is a top-ranked female MMA fighter who competes in the UFC’s flyweight division. Born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in Peru, she began training in martial arts at a young age under her mother’s guidance.
She is known for her diverse skill set as a striker and grappler, with six of her wins coming via knockout or TKO and seven by submission. In addition to being one of the toughest fighters in the sport, Shevchenko also possesses stunning beauty that has earned her a place on many lists of hottest female MMA fighters.
Kaytlin Neil
Kaytlin Neil is a promising fighter who competes in the strawweight division of mixed martial arts. The 29-year-old American athlete made her professional debut in 2019 and has quickly gained recognition for her impressive skills and determination inside the octagon.
Off the mat, Kaytlin is known for being active on social media where she shares insights into her training routines, diet plans, and personal life with her followers.
Her passion for fitness and health resonates with many aspiring athletes looking to break into the world of MMA.
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Aleksandra Albu
Aleksandra Albu is a Russian mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division. Known for her impressive grappling skills and explosive striking, she has quickly become one of the most promising fighters in women’s MMA.
Albu made her professional debut in 2013 and has since compiled an impressive record with victories over top contenders such as Kseniya Guseva and Izabela Badurek.
In addition to her success in MMA, Albu is also an accomplished powerlifter and has won multiple national championships.
Cynthia Arceo
Cynthia Arceo is a rising star in the world of women’s MMA and is quickly gaining popularity among fans. With a professional record of 5-2, this flyweight fighter has already made a name for herself with her impressive performances in organizations such as King of the Cage and LFA.
Off the mat, Cynthia Arceo is also making waves as a role model for young girls interested in combat sports. She has spoken out about the importance of female empowerment and breaking barriers in male-dominated fields like MMA.
Cat Zingano
Cat Zingano is a well-known name in the world of MMA and has been included in many lists of the hottest female MMA fighters. She made her professional debut in 2008 and has since fought for major organizations such as UFC, Bellator, and Invicta FC.
Zingano’s impressive record includes notable wins over top fighters such as Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes. Her hard-hitting style combined with her grappling skills makes her a formidable opponent inside the octagon.
Outside of fighting, Zingano is known for being an advocate for mental health awareness after experiencing personal struggles herself.
Brooke Mayo
Brooke Mayo is a rising star in the world of women’s MMA and has been making waves with her impressive performances. This featherweight fighter from South Carolina started her career as an amateur before turning pro in 2019.
Mayo currently holds a professional record of 7-3, with five of those wins coming via knockout or submission. She has competed for various promotions, including Invicta FC and King of the Cage.
Along with her impressive fighting skills, Mayo also stands out for her unique fashion sense – often sporting bold hair colors like pink and green during weigh-ins and fights.
Gina Carano
Gina Carano is a former MMA fighter from the United States who has been included in several lists of the hottest female fighters. She began her combat sports career as a Muay Thai fighter before transitioning to MMA.
Carano competed in Strikeforce and EliteXC, where she gained popularity for her striking skills and attractive appearance.
Carano retired from MMA in 2009 but remained active in entertainment, appearing in films such as Deadpool and The Mandalorian.
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Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant is one of the hottest female MMA fighters with a strong career in both the UFC and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Her good looks, combined with her fighting skills and charisma, have earned her many fans among MMA enthusiasts.
VanZant’s popularity extends beyond just her fighting abilities; she has also appeared on various TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Chopped. However, despite being known for her beauty outside of the ring, VanZant takes her training seriously and works hard to maintain peak physical condition for her fights.
The Beauty And Athleticism Of Female MMA Fighters
Female MMA fighters are breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms by showcasing their beauty, brains, and brawn through their athletic prowess in combat sports, promoting gender equality and inspiring a new generation of female athletes.
Overcoming Stereotypes And Challenges
Female MMA fighters have had to overcome numerous stereotypes and challenges in their careers. Many people assume that women are not capable of competing at the same level as men or that they do not deserve the same recognition and respect.
Despite these obstacles, female MMA fighters continue to pave the way for themselves and future generations of female athletes. Women like Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, and Holly Holm have proved that gender is no barrier to success in combat sports.
Furthermore, organizations like UFC have made significant strides towards promoting gender equality in combat sports by creating weight classes for women and featuring them on main cards alongside male fights.
Promoting Gender Equality In Combat Sports
Female MMA fighters have been breaking barriers and promoting gender equality in combat sports. Despite facing challenges and stereotypes, they continue to showcase their strength, skills, and beauty in the octagon.
Prominent female fighters like Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, and Rose Namajunas have proven that women can excel in mixed martial arts just as much as men can.
They have shattered records and earned respect from fans worldwide for their impressive performances inside the cage.
With every fearless punch or kick delivered by these talented athletes comes a message of empowerment for all females around the world—proving that physical strength should never be defined by one’s gender identity.
Rising Stars And Controversies In Women’s MMA
Mackenzie Dern has faced controversy over her weight-cutting issues, while Valerie Loureda’s social media presence and Kayla Harrison’s Olympic background have garnered attention as rising stars in women’s MMA.
Mackenzie Dern’s Controversial Weight-cutting Issues
Mackenzie Dern is a rising star in women’s MMA, with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and impressive performances inside the octagon. However, her career has been marred by controversial weight-cutting issues.
In 2017, Dern missed weight for her UFC debut by over seven pounds, raising concerns about her commitment to making weight and potentially compromising her health.
She later admitted that she struggles with portion control and maintaining discipline outside of training camp. Despite these setbacks, Dern has continued to compete at strawweight and flyweight divisions with varying success.
Valerie Loureda’s Social Media Presence And MMA Future
Valerie Loureda is a rising star in women’s MMA who has made headlines not only for her impressive fighting skills but also for her social media presence. With over 1 million Instagram followers, Loureda has become one of the most popular and recognizable female fighters on the platform.
Loureda made her Bellator MMA debut in 2019 and has since amassed an undefeated record of 4-0. The Cuban-American fighter trains with American Top Team and possesses dynamic striking skills that have helped her secure multiple knockout victories.
Kayla Harrison’s Olympic Background And PFL Success
Kayla Harrison is a former Olympic gold medalist in Judo and has quickly made an impact in the world of MMA. She joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2018 for their inaugural season, winning all three of her fights to claim the women’s lightweight championship and walk away with a $1 million prize.
Her combination of grappling skills and striking power earned praise from fans and experts alike, with many seeing her as one of the top female fighters in the sport today.
Cris Cyborg’s Impressive Career And Recent Move To Bellator
Cris Cyborg is undoubtedly one of the most dominant and accomplished female mixed martial artists of all time. The Brazilian fighter has an impressive record of 23 wins, only two losses, and one no contest in her professional MMA career.
She is a former UFC Featherweight Champion and has also won titles in other major organizations such as Strikeforce and Invicta FC. In December 2019, Cyborg made headlines when she signed with Bellator MMA after her contract with UFC expired.
Cyborg’s move to Bellator was welcomed by many fans who were excited about the prospect of seeing her face new challenges against top-level competition outside of UFC. Her debut fight against Julia Budd at Bellator 238 proved to be successful as she dominated from start to finish and secured a fourth-round TKO victory.
The Future Of Women’s MMA
The future of women’s MMA is looking bright, with more and more talented female fighters entering the sport. As gender equality becomes a hot topic in combat sports, we can expect to see increased opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level.
The Growth And Potential Of The Sport
The rise of women’s MMA has been nothing short of impressive in recent years. The sport has seen a surge of talented female fighters who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
With organizations like the UFC and Bellator investing in women’s divisions, it is evident that there is a growing demand for high-level female talent.
One notable example of this growth can be seen in the recent partnership between ONE Championship and Victoria Lee, one of the youngest MMA fighters to ever sign with a major organization at 17 years old.
New And Upcoming Female Fighters To Watch
Here are some of the new and upcoming female fighters that MMA enthusiasts should keep an eye on:
- Victoria Lee – At just 17 years old, she is already making waves in the sport as a ONE Championship fighter.
- Miranda Maverick – This American flyweight fighter has already made her UFC debut in 2020 and is poised for great things.
- Liana Jojua – A Georgian fighter who recently made her UFC debut, Jojua has a strong submission game.
- Cory McKenna – Another young fighter to watch, McKenna is an up-and-coming star from Wales who recently signed with the UFC.
- Ilara Joanne – A Brazilian strawweight fighter with a 10-5 record, Joanne is known for her aggressive striking style.
- Kay Hansen – Hansen made her UFC debut in 2020 and boasts an impressive record of eight wins and three losses in MMA competition.
- Cheyanne Buys – After competing on Dana White’s Contender Series, Buys earned a contract with the UFC and has already notched one victory inside the octagon.
- Kanako Murata – This Japanese fighter has a strong background in wrestling and has already secured two victories in the Invicta FC promotion.
By keeping tabs on these talented young fighters, fans of women’s MMA can witness the growth of the sport firsthand and watch as new stars emerge onto the scene.
FAQs
1. Who are some of the hottest female MMA fighters?
Some of the hottest female MMA fighters include Paige VanZant, Rachael Ostovich, Michelle Waterson, and Holly Holm.
2. How do these women balance their fighting careers with their personal lives?
Like any athlete, balancing a demanding career with personal life can be challenging for female MMA fighters. They often have to juggle intense training schedules and frequent travel while maintaining relationships with family and friends.
3. What physical traits make these women stand out in the ring?
Physical fitness is essential for success in MMA fights, so many of these women prioritize strength training and conditioning alongside martial arts skills. Many also boast lean muscles, toned abs, and impressive flexibility.
4. Are there any issues that female MMA fighters face specifically because of their gender?
Unfortunately, sexism can still be prevalent in sports like mixed martial arts. Female athletes may face unfair criticism or lower rates of pay than their male counterparts simply because they are women. However, many dedicated fans appreciate female MMA fighters’ skillsets as well as their beauty inside and outside the ring alike!
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Conclusion: The Beauty, Brains, And Brawn
These top 32 hottest female MMA fighters prove that beauty, brains, and brawn can all exist in one athlete. These women are breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of fighters with their strength, skill, and athleticism.
Despite facing challenges and stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of mixed martial arts, these female athletes continue to shine on the big stage. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it’s exciting to see new rising stars emerge alongside established names like Valentina Shevchenko and Paige VanZant.
2 thoughts on “Top 32 Hottest Female MMA Fighters (Updated in 2023)”
Whoever made this list is high.
This is a the best list, but did not includes anyone from he ufc… was this a casuals list?