The rise of women in UFC is one of the most compelling chapters in mixed martial arts. What started as an undercard novelty turned into some of the most memorable moments in UFC annals.
From early trailblazers to today’s modern stars, female fighters have produced some of the most exciting and historic bouts in the sport.
This article revisits the greatest women’s fights in UFC history, contests that delivered unforgettable drama, showcased elite skill, and helped shape MMA as we know it today.
The Groundbreaking Start: Rousey vs. Carmouche UFC 157
In February 2013, a watershed moment happened when Ronda Rousey faced Liz Carmouche for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 157.
This was the first women’s bout on a UFC pay-per-view card, marking the formal arrival of female competition at the highest level of the sport.
Rousey, already a Strikeforce champion, brought her elite judo skills to the Octagon and secured a win via armbar submission.
Beyond the outcome, the significance of this fight cannot be overstated — it opened the door for an entire generation of women to compete on MMA’s biggest stage.
A War for the Ages: Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk UFC 248
Many fans and analysts call the clash between Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 the greatest women’s fight ever contested.
Both fighters pushed their limits in a five-round battle of attrition and heart.
The strawweight title bout featured sustained striking exchanges, momentum swings, and unfiltered grit that had fans and pundits on their feet.
Even though Zhang retained the title via a split decision, both warriors walked away with elevated respect in the MMA world.
This fight didn’t just entertain, it set a new benchmark for women’s MMA in terms of intensity, skill, and drama.
The Clutch Rivalry: Cat Zingano vs. Miesha Tate
Another pivotal moment in early UFC women’s history was the bantamweight bout between Cat Zingano and Miesha Tate at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.
Though it didn’t carry a title on the line, this fight is remembered for its unrelenting pace and back-and-forth action.
Zingano’s sharp striking and Tate’s relentless resilience made this a fan favorite, showing that women’s bouts could deliver action just as captivating as anyone in the men’s divisions.
Rivalries That Captured Attention: Nunes vs. Tate and Tart
Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the most accomplished female fighter in UFC history, has been part of multiple unforgettable fights. Her title victory over Miesha Tate at UFC 200 demonstrated her comprehensive skill set and marked the beginning of a dominant championship run.
Nunes also produced standout performances against other elite foes, such as Cris Cyborg, a bout that ended in a swift yet impactful knockout, proving her power and versatility across weight classes.
These fights helped Nunes become the first woman in UFC to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously, an achievement that underscores her legacy.
The Evolution Continues: Nunes vs. Peña and Beyond
Nunes’ bouts with Julianna Peña at UFC 269 and UFC 277 belonged on the list of greats for opposing reasons.
The first encounter saw Peña pull off a shocking upset, ending Nunes’ long reign and reminding fans of MMA’s unpredictability.
The rematch, however, restored Nunes’ title status dominantly, showcasing her resilience and championship mentality.
These back-and-forth battles emphasized that women’s divisions are as competitive and compelling as any in the sport.
Why These Fights Matter
What sets these bouts apart isn’t just the ending or the fighters’ names; it’s the narrative behind them.
- Historical impact: The Rousey vs. Carmouche fight legitimized women’s MMA at the UFC level.
- Technical excellence: Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk showed that women could deliver high-intensity battles over five rounds.
- Emotional stakes: Rivalries involving Nunes, Tate, and Peña captured the drama that makes MMA thrilling.
These fights helped promote the women’s divisions from novelty to main event contenders. Over the years, they have grown into headline-worthy attractions that draw massive fan interest worldwide.
The Legacy Lives On
The history of women’s fights in the UFC is rich, evolving, and full of unforgettable moments.
From the first title fight in 2013 to modern era championship rivalries, female fighters have consistently delivered high-quality performances that resonate with both hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.
With new talents emerging and historic matchups on the horizon, the next chapter in women’s MMA promises even more excitement.
What remains certain is the impact and importance of these iconic fights that helped shape the sport.