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The UFC's female division is filled with talent and 2024 promises to be another stellar year for women's MMA. From dominant champions to rising stars, these fighters command the Octagon with their skill and fierce competitiveness. Let’s take a look at who is making the headlines and the ranking as the top Female UFC fighters of 2024. We will rank them and give information for UFC and the best betting sites for laying bets on the best fights in the division.
1. Amanda Nunes - The Undisputed Queen
The “Lioness" Amanda Nunes although no longer fighting in the UFC was certainly the queen of the UFC jungle with her power and fighting precision she was simply dominating the UFC's female division. She held the titles in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. She defeated legends of the sport in Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm en route to establishing herself as the best in the sport. She retired undefeated in the featherweight division and without her or any viable featherweight rivals, the division was dissolved once she left the UFC.
2. Alexa Grasso
Is seen as the next big star in the sport for her speed, boxing and striking. She competes in the Flyweight division and holds the title currently. The Mexican fighter has a huge following because of the huge latin fanbase but also because of her fighting style. Tending to stay on her feet and using her boxing skills and lethal striking combinations to end fights.
3. Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko - is called the “Bullet” for her speed, and impenetrable defense and she has made it to number 1 challenger in the flyweight division. Having mastered martial arts disciplines in Muay Thai and Taekwondo she can kick with such force and precision. Undoubtedly one of the best pound-for-pound fighters currently in the world.
4. Rose Namajunas - The Thug Rose
Rose “The Thug” Namajunas won and subsequently relinquished the strawweight division by defeating the next fighter in our list with some of her trademark jiu jitsu take-downs and brilliant striking. She showed great tenacity to reclaim her title and remains one of the most feared in her division.
5. Zhang Weili
Zhang is the top Chinese fighter in our list and leads the way for her nation’s talent. She is already showing the UFC that they are bringing their heritage of martial arts to the global stage and causing some ripples. She was hungry to avenge her defeat to Namajunas and duly took back her crown and still reigns in 2024.
6. Tatiana Suarez
Suarez competes in the strawweight division and has a wrestling background. So going to ground and grappling are her main tools in the Octagon and have given her an undefeated record. But injuries have beset her at unlucky times and she must be in line for a title shot soon against Zhang.
7. Kayla Harrison
Is a rising star in the lightweight division with her judo discipline where she won 2 olympic golds. Her transition to MMA has been impressive and not many in the division will want to face her. She is due to fight our next athlete on the list in UFC 300.
8. Holly Holm
Holm was a boxer turned MMA fighter and captured the bantamweight title when in her prime. She can still be a threat in the division and remains very popular.
9. Cris Cyborg
No list would be complete without a special mention for the legendary Cris Cyborg. She held titles in multiple weight classes and she dominated them. Her striking and devastating power made her a formidable fighter and always a draw for any fight card in her career. She has moved on from UFC but still fights in the Bellator promotion.
The Female UFC Division Remains a Highlight of the Sport
This list of remarkable athletes show how the UFC Female division has grown to rival the men’s side. Superstars in their own right these female fighters built their fan base and a new generation of aspiring female MMA fighters. From established champions to rising stars, these athletes have captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide with their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.