Women’s MMA has produced some of the most thrilling fights in combat sports history. Fighters like Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, and Joanna Jędrzejczyk have delivered legendary performances, proving their skills in brutal yet beautiful battles. These fights showcased resilience, technical mastery, and the unbreakable spirit of female warriors. Here are some of the most unforgettable women’s MMA fights of all time.
1. Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate 2 (UFC 168 – December 28, 2013)
Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate shared one of the most heated rivalries in MMA. Their rematch at UFC 168 carried intense animosity. Tate survived Rousey’s early attacks, unlike many of Rousey’s previous opponents, and took the fight into the later rounds. She displayed exceptional toughness, but Rousey dominated with relentless judo throws and grappling pressure. In the third round, Rousey secured her signature armbar, forcing Tate to tap out. The fight cemented Rousey’s dominance while proving that Tate had the heart of a true warrior.
2. Amanda Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg (UFC 232 – December 29, 2018)
Amanda Nunes shocked the world when she dismantled the feared Cris Cyborg in less than a minute. Cyborg had reigned as the most intimidating force in women’s MMA for over a decade, destroying nearly every opponent. Many believed she would overpower Nunes, but Nunes had different plans. From the opening bell, she unleashed a furious barrage of strikes, overwhelming Cyborg with speed and precision. Within 51 seconds, Cyborg crumbled, and Nunes claimed the featherweight championship, becoming the first woman to hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously. This fight redefined women’s MMA and solidified Nunes as the greatest female fighter in history.
3. Joanna Jędrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili (UFC 248 – March 7, 2020)
Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk delivered one of the greatest fights in UFC history, male or female. Both warriors engaged in a brutal five-round war, exchanging relentless strikes without backing down. Joanna’s precise striking met Zhang’s incredible power, creating a nonstop action-packed battle. By the end, both fighters wore the damage of war, especially Joanna, who suffered a massive hematoma on her forehead. Zhang retained her title via a razor-thin split decision, but both fighters gained immense respect for their fearless performances. Fans and analysts often rank this bout among the best fights in UFC history.
4. Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk 1 (UFC 217 – November 4, 2017)
Rose Namajunas entered UFC 217 as the underdog against the dominant strawweight champion, Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Joanna had ruled the division with an iron fist, using elite Muay Thai skills to dismantle her opponents. Many expected her to continue her reign, but Namajunas shocked the world. She dropped Joanna with a perfectly placed left hook and followed up with ground strikes. Joanna tapped to strikes, handing Rose a stunning first-round TKO victory. This fight not only ended Joanna’s undefeated streak but also marked the beginning of Namajunas’ legacy as a two-time strawweight champion.
5. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk (UFC 231 – December 8, 2018)
Valentina Shevchenko and Joanna Jędrzejczyk brought their long-standing rivalry from kickboxing to the UFC octagon. Shevchenko showcased her technical brilliance, dominating the fight with precision striking and superior grappling. Joanna, known for her volume striking, found herself outmatched against Shevchenko’s counterstriking and clinch control. After five rounds of elite competition, Shevchenko claimed the vacant flyweight title, beginning her historic reign as one of the most dominant champions in women’s MMA history.
6. Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey (UFC 193 – November 14, 2015)
Ronda Rousey’s aura of invincibility vanished when she met Holly Holm at UFC 193. Rousey had finished all her previous opponents in record time, and many believed Holm had no chance against her. However, Holm executed a flawless game plan, using footwork and precise counterstriking to avoid Rousey’s clinch. In the second round, Holm delivered a head kick heard around the world, knocking out Rousey in one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. This fight forever changed women’s MMA and proved that even the most dominant champions could fall.
7. Rose Namajunas vs. Zhang Weili 1 (UFC 261 – April 24, 2021)
Rose Namajunas shocked the world again when she faced Zhang Weili for the strawweight championship. Weili had been an unstoppable force, but Namajunas silenced all doubts with a stunning first-round head-kick knockout. She became the first woman in UFC history to reclaim a championship after losing it. This fight proved Namajunas’ ability to rise to the occasion and solidified her as one of the best strawweights ever.
8. Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm (UFC 196 – March 5, 2016)
Miesha Tate pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history against Holly Holm. Holm had dominated most of the fight with superior striking, keeping Tate at bay. But in the fifth round, Tate seized an opening, took Holm’s back, and locked in a rear-naked choke. Holm refused to tap but eventually lost consciousness, handing Tate the bantamweight title. This victory showcased Tate’s relentless determination and never-give-up attitude.
9. Cris Cyborg vs. Gina Carano (Strikeforce – August 15, 2009)
Before the UFC established its women’s division, Cris Cyborg and Gina Carano headlined one of the most significant fights in women’s MMA history. Carano, the face of women’s MMA at the time, carried immense hype into the fight. However, Cyborg’s aggressive striking proved too much. She overwhelmed Carano with powerful punches and finished her in the first round. This fight marked the rise of Cyborg as a dominant force in MMA and helped push women’s MMA into the mainstream.
10. Juliana Peña vs. Amanda Nunes 1 (UFC 269 – December 11, 2021)
Juliana Peña delivered one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when she defeated Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title. Nunes, considered the greatest female fighter of all time, seemed unstoppable. However, Peña pressured Nunes, absorbed her early power shots, and turned the tide. In the second round, Peña shocked the world by taking Nunes down and submitting her with a rear-naked choke. This fight proved that anything could happen in MMA and displayed Peña’s incredible heart and resilience.
Conclusion
Women’s MMA has come a long way, producing some of the most memorable fights in combat sports. These battles showcased grit, skill, and the fighting spirit that defines elite competition. Whether through shocking upsets, brutal wars, or technical masterclasses, these fights will forever hold a place in MMA history. As the sport continues to grow, future legends will emerge, delivering more unforgettable moments in the women’s division.
