The world of women’s mixed martial arts has evolved into a fierce and globally followed spectacle, showcasing some of the most talented, disciplined, and fearless athletes in sports. In 2025, the octagon is graced by elite-level performers who continue to raise the bar for excellence, technique, and grit. These champions and contenders are rewriting history with every strike, submission, and title defense, earning their rightful place in the spotlight. This list of the Top 10 Female MMA Fighters in 2025 reflects the best in the business—across all weight classes and major promotions.
Whether it’s the global dominance of the UFC or the surging presence of fighters in PFL and ONE Championship, these female warriors have carved a path of power, passion, and perseverance. The Top 10 Female MMA Fighters on this list are not only champions in the cage but role models for millions, inspiring a new generation of women in combat sports.
From polished strikers and submission experts to tactical brawlers and hybrid fighters, the range of talent is unmatched. This ranking considers championship success, current form, unbeaten streaks, strength of schedule, and impact on the sport. Each fighter here has proven themselves worthy of the title “elite.”
As we count down the Top 10 Female MMA Fighters of 2025, expect to see familiar legends and rising stars who’ve earned their place through blood, sweat, and iron discipline. Their performances continue to shape the future of MMA and redefine what it means to be a champion.
Let’s dive into the top 10 and celebrate the best female fighters currently dominating the cage!
Top 10 Female MMA Fighters in the World in 2025 :
10. Erin Blanchfield (UFC – Flyweight Contender)
Erin Blanchfield has steadily climbed the UFC rankings to establish herself among the top 10 female MMA fighters in 2025. Known for her dominant grappling and high fight IQ, Blanchfield has transformed into one of the most well-rounded athletes in the flyweight division. Her ability to control opponents on the ground, paired with improved striking, has made her a nightmare matchup for nearly every opponent she faces.
After impressive wins over top-tier veterans like Taila Santos and Jessica Andrade, Blanchfield has proved that her rise is no fluke. What sets her apart among the top 10 female MMA fighters is her maturity inside the cage despite her young age. She rarely makes mistakes and capitalizes on her opponents’ weaknesses with precision.
With the flyweight division still stacked with talent, Blanchfield is on the cusp of a title shot. Fans and analysts alike are anticipating her eventual clash with the division’s champion, a fight that could further define her legacy. Erin Blanchfield is not just a future star—she’s already cementing her place as one of the top 10 female MMA fighters and is poised to dominate for years to come.
| Division & Status | Flyweight Contender |
9. Yan Xiaonan (UFC – Strawweight Contender)
China’s Yan Xiaonan has continued her rise as a premier name among the top 10 female MMA fighters. Known for her crisp striking, lightning-fast footwork, and relentless pace, Yan has evolved from a promising striker to a full-fledged title contender in the UFC strawweight division. Her decision win over Jessica Andrade and knockout victory over Mackenzie Dern put the entire division on notice.
What makes Yan unique among the top 10 female MMA fighters is her ability to neutralize grapplers while maintaining distance and precision. Her boxing combinations, combined with takedown defense, make her a nightmare for wrestlers and jiu-jitsu specialists alike. Yan fights with calculated aggression, often dictating the tempo and controlling exchanges from the outside.
In 2025, Yan is closing in on a long-awaited title shot. With China increasingly becoming a powerhouse in MMA, Yan’s success is vital to the sport’s global growth. She not only represents elite athleticism but also the evolution of MMA on the Asian continent. As she continues her campaign toward UFC gold, her place among the top 10 female MMA fighters is undisputed and only growing stronger.
| Division & Status | Strawweight Contender |
8. Larissa Pacheco (PFL – Featherweight Champion)
Larissa Pacheco, the reigning PFL featherweight champion, has emerged as one of the top 10 female MMA fighters by sheer dominance. After defeating Kayla Harrison to end her undefeated streak, Pacheco’s stock soared. She followed up with back-to-back finishes, showcasing her improved striking and knockout power. Her transformation from a grappling-heavy fighter into a well-rounded finisher is a testament to her dedication and growth.
Pacheco’s spot in the top 10 female MMA fighters is also reinforced by her consistency. Few fighters outside the UFC have commanded such attention, but her performances in PFL have turned heads globally. She not only wins, but finishes fights decisively, often within the first two rounds.
With free agency talks heating up, many fans speculate a UFC run is next. If that happens, she could shake up the featherweight or bantamweight divisions overnight. Whether she remains in PFL or crosses over, Larissa Pacheco has proven she belongs among the top 10 female MMA fighters. Her raw power, fearlessness, and championship pedigree make her a name every contender must respect.
| Division & Status | PFL Featherweight Champion |
7. Zhang Weili (UFC – Strawweight Champion)
Zhang Weili continues to be one of the most decorated champions in the sport and an automatic name in the top 10 female MMA fighters. With a striking game built on precision, power, and timing, Zhang has remained dominant in the strawweight division, defending her title against the best in the world. Her combination of athleticism and technique has made her nearly unbeatable.
In 2025, Zhang’s reign as UFC strawweight champion remains intact after a dominant win over Amanda Lemos and another potential title defense looming. She blends traditional martial arts with modern MMA fluency, creating a unique and dangerous style. Among the top 10 female MMA fighters, few are as well-rounded and experienced in championship situations as Zhang.
Her legacy is already secure, but Zhang continues to elevate her performances and break new ground. As a national icon in China and a global ambassador for the sport, her impact reaches far beyond the octagon. Every fight she enters is a major event, and her continued success places her firmly within the top 10 female MMA fighters of the modern era.
| Division & Status | UFC Strawweight Champion |
6. Tatiana Suarez (UFC – Strawweight/Bantamweight Contender)
Tatiana Suarez’s return to the UFC after a long injury layoff has been nothing short of spectacular, earning her a spot among the top 10 female MMA fighters in 2025. Known for her Olympic-level wrestling and smothering top control, Suarez is a stylistic nightmare for virtually every opponent. Her victories in both strawweight and bantamweight bouts show her versatility across divisions.
What makes Suarez exceptional among the top 10 female MMA fighters is her relentless pace and ability to completely nullify her opponent’s offense. In 2025, she has strung together multiple dominant wins, including a submission victory over former champion Carla Esparza, signaling her resurgence as a top contender.
Fans have eagerly awaited a title bout between Suarez and reigning champions like Zhang Weili or Amanda Nunes (if she returns). With her unmatched grappling skills and improving striking, Suarez is more dangerous than ever. She’s one of the few fighters who can dominate without absorbing much damage, making her longevity and success all the more impressive. Suarez is a true force and a standout name in the top 10 female MMA fighters list for good reason.
| Division & Status | Strawweight/Bantamweight Contender |
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5. Julianna Peña (UFC – Bantamweight Contender)
Julianna Peña remains one of the most polarizing and resilient figures among the top 10 female MMA fighters. Best known for her shocking upset over Amanda Nunes in 2021, Peña has continued to be a serious title contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Her grit, durability, and ability to fight through adversity have made her a tough test for any opponent.
In 2025, Peña bounced back from injury and delivered an impressive performance against Irene Aldana, reaffirming her position in the top 10 female MMA fighters. She combines strong wrestling with relentless pressure, often breaking her opponents mentally before physically. Despite not having the flashiest style, her effectiveness in five-round wars and high-profile bouts makes her a legitimate threat.
Peña’s outspoken nature and fierce confidence have kept her in the spotlight, drawing fans and rivals alike. She’s campaigning for another crack at the title, and if she gets it, she could once again shock the world. Her resume, heart, and championship pedigree solidify her among the top 10 female MMA fighters shaping the current era of women’s MMA.
| Division & Status | Bantamweight Contender |
4. Alexa Grasso (UFC – Flyweight Champion)
Alexa Grasso has taken the UFC flyweight division by storm and now firmly sits among the top 10 female MMA fighters. Her stunning submission victory over Valentina Shevchenko to claim the title in 2023 was one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. Since then, Grasso has defended her belt successfully and showcased sharp boxing, footwork, and a vastly improved ground game.
What distinguishes Grasso in the top 10 female MMA fighters list is her technical precision and strategic mindset. She’s not just an athlete but a student of the game, constantly evolving and adjusting. In her title defenses throughout 2024 and 2025, she’s faced elite opponents and proved she belongs at the pinnacle of women’s MMA.
Hailing from Mexico, Grasso is a trailblazer for Latina fighters and continues to grow the sport’s reach across the Americas. With her polished skill set and growing confidence, she’s expected to reign for years. Alexa Grasso has transitioned from underdog to dominant champion and has rightfully earned her place as one of the top 10 female MMA fighters making history right now.
| Division & Status | UFC Flyweight Champion |
3. Amanda Lemos (UFC – Strawweight Contender)
Amanda Lemos has become a force in the strawweight division and a staple in any discussion about the top 10 female MMA fighters. With a striking game built on knockout power, low kicks, and precise counters, Lemos offers a unique threat to both established champions and rising contenders. Her aggression, coupled with improved takedown defense, makes her a well-rounded and dangerous opponent.
In 2025, Lemos continued her title campaign with dominant wins over top-ranked challengers like Marina Rodriguez and a close split decision against Yan Xiaonan. These performances have elevated her into the elite circle of the top 10 female MMA fighters. Unlike many in the division, Lemos possesses genuine one-punch knockout power, rare in the strawweight class.
Her fight IQ and adaptability are improving with every bout, making her a more complete fighter with championship aspirations. Fans admire her no-nonsense style and explosive finishes, while analysts recognize the depth of her evolving game. Amanda Lemos has worked her way through a stacked division and is now poised for a title shot. Her impact and skill guarantee her a top spot among the top 10 female MMA fighters of 2025.
| Division & Status | Strawweight Contender |
2. Valentina Shevchenko (UFC – Flyweight Legend)
Despite losing her title to Alexa Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko remains a legend and one of the top 10 female MMA fighters of all time—and still among the best in 2025. Her calculated striking, sambo background, and years of title defenses have made her a gold standard in women’s MMA. Even as the sport evolves, Shevchenko stays relevant through discipline and technical brilliance.
Shevchenko’s 2025 comeback after a razor-thin draw with Grasso has kept fans glued to the flyweight division. With renewed motivation, she’s made adjustments to her style and continues to challenge top-ranked contenders. Her methodical approach and clinical precision in the octagon are why she is still considered one of the top 10 female MMA fighters competing today.
Beyond her record, Shevchenko’s influence on global MMA is monumental. She helped raise the standard for all female fighters and inspired a new generation. As she works her way back toward another title run, her presence remains one of the most respected in the sport. Valentina Shevchenko is not only a name in the top 10 female MMA fighters—she’s a benchmark for greatness.
| Division & Status | Former Flyweight Champion |
1. Amanda Nunes (UFC – Retired/GOAT)
Amanda Nunes, though retired, still tops the list of the top 10 female MMA fighters in 2025 due to her unparalleled dominance and legacy. The former bantamweight and featherweight double champion defeated every notable name of her era, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko. Her combination of knockout power, wrestling, and cage control set a bar no one has yet surpassed.
Even in retirement, Nunes remains the measuring stick for greatness in women’s MMA. Every fighter in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions is compared to her. Her decision to walk away while still at the top has only elevated her mystique. No fighter on the current roster has matched her résumé, and her highlights continue to inspire millions.
Nunes’s influence is felt throughout the MMA world—from training camps to aspiring female athletes. Her journey from humble beginnings to undisputed greatness is legendary. Whether she stays retired or returns for one last bout, Amanda Nunes will forever be etched into the history of the top 10 female MMA fighters and is still regarded as the greatest of all time.
| Division & Status | Retired (Bantamweight & Featherweight GOAT) |
FAQs
1. Who is the number one among the top 10 female MMA fighters in 2025?
Amanda Nunes still holds the number one spot among the top 10 female MMA fighters due to her legendary double-champion status and dominant victories over elite opponents.
2. Is Valentina Shevchenko still one of the top 10 female MMA fighters?
Yes, despite losing her belt, Valentina Shevchenko remains one of the top 10 female MMA fighters thanks to her years of dominance, skillset, and ongoing impact on the sport.
3. Are there any active champions in the top 10 female MMA fighters list?
Yes, Alexa Grasso and Zhang Weili are current UFC champions who are firmly ranked among the top 10 female MMA fighters in 2025.
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