Rising Stars in Women’s MMA You Should Know
Women are taking over the MMA world, and I’m here for it
Female fighters aren’t just participating in MMA anymore – they’re dominating the sport with technical brilliance, highlight-reel knockouts, and the kind of star power that’s filling arenas. The landscape in 2025 is more exciting than ever, with a perfect storm of established champions, hungry contenders, and rising stars ready to take the throne.
Let’s dive into the female fighters who are changing the game and why you should be paying attention (if you aren’t already).
The New Wave of Female MMA Superstars
Remember when people used to skip the women’s fights to grab beer? Yeah, those days are long gone. Now the women’s bouts are often the most technical and entertaining fights on the card.
Several fighters stand out in 2025 as the next generation of dominant women in MMA. These athletes aren’t just winning – they’re reshaping what’s possible in the cage.
The Olympic Gold Turned UFC Gold
Kayla Harrison has basically done the impossible – transitioning from Olympic judo gold medals to becoming the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC in record time
After her dominant performance at UFC 300 where she dismantled Julianna Peña, Harrison has proven she’s not just another judoka trying MMA – she’s a complete fighter with championship-level skills.
What makes her special? It’s the combination of world-class grappling with increasingly dangerous striking. Plus, her mental toughness is on another level – the woman simply refuses to lose.
When Harrison gets you to the ground, it’s usually game over. Her top pressure is suffocating, and her ability to transition between positions while maintaining control is something even male fighters should study.
The Beast from France
If you haven’t seen Manon Fiorot fight yet, what are you even doing with your life?
Nicknamed “The Beast” (for good reason), Fiorot has stormed through the flyweight division with her versatile striking and cardio that could make a marathon runner jealous. With a professional record of 12-2, she’s earned her spot as a top contender.
Her challenge against the legendary Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315 proved she belongs with the elite, even in defeat. What separates Fiorot from other contenders is her ability to adjust mid-fight and her constantly evolving skill set.
Every time she steps into the octagon, she shows new weapons in her arsenal. That’s the mark of a future champion.
The 13-Fight Streak Phenom
Natália Silva might be the scariest woman in MMA right now. With 13 straight wins and a mixture of knockouts and submissions, she’s proven she can end fights anywhere they go.
Her victory over former champion Alexa Grasso wasn’t just impressive – it was downright terrifying for the rest of the division. Silva combines Brazilian striking fluidity with surprisingly strong wrestling, making her unpredictable and dangerous in every phase of the fight.
What’s most impressive is how she seems to gain confidence with each victory, turning from a prospect into a legitimate title threat in the span of just a few fights.
The BJJ Wizard With Hands
Erin Blanchfield represents everything that’s exciting about the new generation of female fighters – elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combined with increasingly polished striking.
What makes “Cold Blooded” special is her composure under pressure. Nothing seems to rattle her, whether she’s fighting a veteran or dealing with a hostile crowd. At just 25 years old, her ceiling is sky-high.
Her technical grappling is already championship caliber, and as her striking continues to develop, she’s becoming a complete fighter who can threaten anyone in the straw weight division.
More Rising Stars to Watch
Alexa Grasso continues to impress with her crisp boxing and adaptability. The Mexican fan-favorite has technical boxing that would make a professional boxer jealous, and her fighting IQ keeps improving with every bout.
Tatiana Suarez might have the most dominant wrestling in women’s MMA. With a 10-1 record and the ability to pressure opponents until they break, she’s a nightmare matchup for anyone in the straw weight division.
Where These Rising Stars Fit in the Elite Landscape
To understand how special these rising fighters are, we need to look at the champions they’re chasing.
Valentina Shevchenko remains the gold standard in women’s MMA, combining technical striking with high-level grappling. “The Bullet” continues to evolve even after years at the top, showing why she’s considered one of the greatest female fighters ever.
Zhang Weili is still a force of nature in the straw weight division, with striking power that would make some male fighters envious. Her combination of explosive strength and durability makes her one of the most feared champions in the sport.
The much-anticipated Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili matchup at UFC 322 is the super fight that shows just how far women’s MMA has come – two technical masters with complete skill sets ready to determine who’s truly the best pound-for-pound female fighter.
Beyond the UFC: The Global Rise of Women’s MMA
While the UFC gets most of the spotlight, other organizations are crucial in developing female MMA talent:
- Bellator continues to showcase elite women’s fights
- Invicta FC remains dedicated exclusively to women’s MMA
- Deep Jewels and Rizin in Japan focus on lighter weight classes
Fighters like Seika Izawa and Ayaka Hamasaki are building impressive records in these promotions, gaining the experience that could propel them to the UFC and other major organizations.
The popularity surge in women’s MMA has led to better recognition and opportunities, with detailed rankings now tracking female fighters separately by weight class from atom weight through featherweight.
Rising Female MMA Stars of 2025 at a Glance
| Fighter | Division | What Makes Them Special | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Harrison | Bantamweight | Olympic judo background, overwhelming grappling | UFC Champ, #3 pound-for-pound |
| Manon Fiorot | Flyweight | Technical striking, relentless pace | Top contender |
| Natália Silva | Flyweight | 13-fight win streak, dangerous everywhere | Rising title threat |
| Erin Blanchfield | Straw weight | Elite BJJ with improving striking | Top-ranked contender |
| Alexa Grasso | Flyweight | Technical boxing, fight IQ | Top 10 contender |
| Tatiana Suarez | Straw weight | Dominant wrestling, pressure fighting | 10-1 record, title contender |
The Future Is Female (and It’s Going to Be Violent)
The rising stars in women’s MMA reflect how far the sport has come. These aren’t just “good female fighters” – they’re elite athletes combining diverse martial arts backgrounds with technical excellence and mental toughness.
As major promotions continue investing in women’s divisions, these athletes will define the next era of MMA excellence, inspiring fans worldwide and expanding the sport’s global footprint.
The combination of experienced champions and hungry young talent makes women’s MMA one of the most exciting fields in combat sports. The fights are technical, the finishes are spectacular, and the storylines are compelling.
If you’re still sleeping on women’s MMA in 2025, you’re missing out on some of the best fights happening in the sport. Do yourself a favor and tune in – these women are redefining what’s possible in the cage.