The Best Female MMA Fighters Of All Time

Over 8.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Female MMA Fighters Of All Time
Voting Rules

Vote up the best female fighters to ever step into the octagon.

Who are the best female UFC fighters of all time? To be the best female MMA fighter, these mixed martial artists must know a myriad of disciplines like kickboxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and even karate. The toughest women's UFC fighters can fight standing up or grapple on the mat, until they find themselves with the opportunity for a ground-and-pound in the Octagon. Who's the best female UFC fighter of all time? Which of the best UFC women fighters ever do you love?

When it comes to the pound-for-pound best women UFC fighters in history, Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes have to be near the top of the list of the best female UFC fighters of all time. The best woman UFC fighters like Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg have their claim to the best female fighter in UFC history as well. 

Vote up the all time best women's UFC fighters pound-for-pound. Or re-rank this list the way you think it should look!

Most divisive: Carla Esparza
Ranked by
  • Amanda Nunes
    1
    Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil
    1,170 votes
    • Nationality: Brazilian

    Amanda Nunes, often referred to as "The Lioness," has undoubtedly cemented her place as one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time with her ferocious and relentless fighting style. Known for her devastating striking prowess and well-rounded grappling skills, Nunes has had notable victories over some of the biggest names in women's MMA, including Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, and Cris Cyborg. As the first openly gay champion in UFC history, Nunes has also made a significant impact outside the Octagon, becoming an inspiration and role model for countless fans around the globe.

  • Valentina Shevchenko
    2
    Frunze, Kirghiz SSR, Soviet Union
    399 votes
    • Nationality: Kyrgyzstan

    Valentina Shevchenko, affectionately known as "Bullet," is an extraordinary athlete with a deep background in multiple martial arts disciplines such as Muay Thai and Taekwondo. Her high fight IQ and technical mastery, combined with her agility and speed, make her a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. As a fighter who seamlessly transitions between striking and grappling, Shevchenko's versatility has led her to numerous high-profile victories, further establishing her legacy as one of the best in the sport.

  • Gina Carano
    3
    Dallas, Texas
    2,535 votes
    • Nationality: United States of America

    Pioneer Gina Carano left an indelible mark on women's MMA, not only for her powerful striking abilities but also as a trailblazer who brought the sport into the mainstream. Known for her charisma and striking beauty, Carano was one of the first female fighters to showcase the immense talent and skill present in women's MMA. Despite retiring from competition, her early accomplishments and battles in the ring have paved the way for the current generation of female fighters, proving that they too can capture the attention and imagination of fans worldwide.

  • Holly Holm
    4
    Albuquerque, New Mexico
    2,186 votes
    • Nationality: United States of America

    Holly Holm, aptly nicknamed "The Preacher's Daughter," boasts an impressive combat background with championship titles in boxing and kickboxing. Her remarkable striking precision and ability to adapt her style to various opponents have resulted in a series of stunning victories, such as her unforgettable head-kick knockout against Ronda Rousey. Holm's continued dedication to the sport and her humble demeanor have earned her a legion of fans who eagerly await her next display of striking prowess.

  • Joanna Jedrzejczyk
    5
    Olsztyn, Poland
    1,363 votes
    • Nationality: Poland

    Joanna Jędrzejczyk, the charismatic Polish powerhouse, has taken the MMA world by storm with her relentless pace, striking accuracy, and ironclad takedown defense. Her prowess in Muay Thai has kept opponents on their toes and helped her solidify her position as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. A true fan favorite, Jędrzejczyk consistently puts on thrilling performances that leave the audience on the edge of their seats.

  • Cristiane Cyborg Santos
    6

    Cristiane Cyborg Santos

    Brazil, Curitiba
    1,746 votes
    • Nationality: Brazilian

    Known to the world as "Cris Cyborg," Cristiane Justino is an undeniable force within women's MMA, having dominated her division for over a decade. With a fearsome combination of power, skill, and ferocity, Cyborg has plowed through countless opponents, leaving an aura of invincibility in her wake. Her passion for the sport and commitment to being the best version of herself has created an everlasting impact on the landscape of women's MMA.