MMA’s Rising Queens: 7 Top Stars to Watch Out for
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen tremendous growth and popularity. While many people are familiar with the male fighters dominating the sport, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the rising queens of MMA. These seven talented women are making waves in the industry and are the ones to watch out for. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Erin Blanchfield
Erin Blanchfield is an accomplished American mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division. She was born on May 4, 1999, and began her martial arts journey at a young age. Initially, she trained in karate before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.
Blanchfield had an impressive amateur career with six wins and one loss. She then turned pro in 2018 and quickly made a name for herself in MMA. Blanchfield trains at the Renzo Gracie Academy, renowned for producing top fighters.
Despite being just 21, Blanchfield has already gained considerable success in her career, with a professional record of 7 wins and only one loss. She has won several championships, including the SFL Flyweight Championship and the Ring of Combat Women’s Flyweight Championship.
Blanchfield’s fighting style is diverse and well-rounded, with outstanding grappling skills, which is an excellent factor to consider when considering MMA odds. Overall, she is a fascinating athlete to watch and has the potential to reach much more success in her career.
Maycee Barber
Maycee Kaye Barber is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the flyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She started her fighting career at the age of 20 in 2017. Barber has a professional record of 13 wins and two losses in MMA.
Barber is well-known for her aggressive fighting style and knockout power. She has won six fights via knockout, two by submission, and five via decision. Notably, she has won five fights since her loss to Alexa Grasso in February 2021.
Barber trains at multiple gyms, including Fort Collins Martial Arts Academy, Elevation Fight Team, and Factory X. Her next fight is scheduled for October 29, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, against Antonina Shevchenko.
Jaqueline Amorim
Jaqueline Amorim is a Brazilian MMA fighter who fights in the strawweight division. Amorim is recognized for her grappling skills, as she has secured five of her six professional wins by submission. She currently has a professional record of 7-1-0. Amorim won Brazilian and international titles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling before her MMA career.
Amorim made her MMA debut on September 4, 2020, at Mr. Cage 42, defeating Luana Nogeuria via armbar in the first round. Amorim’s outstanding performance in her debut drew the attention of both fans and fellow fighters, establishing her as a promising up-and-comer in the strawweight class.
Tabatha Ricci
Tabatha Ricci Fabri Salto is a Brazilian MMA fighter participating in the strawweight category. She has a stellar professional record of 9 victories and one defeat. Ricci’s judo training has helped her thrive in grappling and ground game skills, leading to three submission victories in her professional career.
She is, however, a good striker, having won two first-round knockouts in her stint with the UFC. The UFC has her ranked 14th in the women’s strawweight category as of June 27, 2023. Ricci was born in Birigui, Brazil, and currently resides in California.
She began judo training with her father, Carlos Salto “Trovao,” when she was six. Ricci’s commitment and hard work have garnered recognition in the MMA community, and she is seen as a rising star in the sport, having competed in both the UFC and Invicta FC.
Shauna Bannon
Shauna Bannon is an MMA fighter who competes in the women’s strawweight division. She recently debuted in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and won. With a record of 5-1-0, Bannon has shown promising skills in the octagon. She has achieved two wins by knockout and three wins by decision, demonstrating her versatility as a fighter.
Bannon hails from Ireland and trains at Holohan Martial Arts. She has garnered attention for being the second Irish female fighter signed by the UFC, joining the likes of Conor McGregor and Ian Garry on the roster. Bannon won some significant victories in her MMA career while with Invicta. On her debut in Invicta FC, she defeated Nadia Vera in a decision victory at Invicta FC 49. Her training and dedication have undoubtedly contributed to her success.
Yazmin Jauregui
Yazmin Jauregui, born February 28, 1999, is another mixed martial artist worth watching. She is a Mexican-American fighter who competes in the Strawweight division. Jauregui made her professional MMA debut in 2018. She won via TKO in the first round, defeating Benni Fuentes. After winning her debut in the first round, she went on to win ten consecutive fights establishing herself as a formidable presence in the division.
Cory McKenna
Cory McKenna is a professional Welsh MMA fighter fighting in the Strawweight division. She was born in Wales on July 11, 1999, and spent most of her childhood in Colchester, England, due to her father’s military duties. McKenna began her martial arts training at a young age and has studied karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling.
McKenna, who turned pro at a young age, has already succeeded in her career. She has a professional record of eight wins and two losses in MMA competitions. McKenna also competed for organizations such as Cage Warriors before joining the UFC. Her fighting style is diverse, and she has demonstrated remarkable grappling abilities throughout her career.
McKenna has drawn attention for her spectacular victories, including a landmark submission victory with a rare Von Flue choke in a UFC fight versus Miranda Granger. McKenna has proven her talents and promise as the UFC’s youngest female combatant.
Wrapping it Up!
Although it’s a man’s world when it comes to MMA, women are also making waves in the sport. The queens mentioned above will continue to make headlines and amaze audiences worldwide. Keep an eye on these seven top stars as they push the boundaries and take women’s MMA to new heights.