Leading Ladies of UFC: Year's Best Female Combatants in MMA
Fierce Females of UFC 2024: Quintin van Jaarsveld's Top 5
Join us as we delve into the world of women's mixed martial arts and unveil the top five female fighters that left an indelible mark in the UFC arena this year, according to Quintin van Jaarsveld.
5: Raquel Pennington
Known for her all-around skills and tenacious spirit, Pennington (16-9) rose to prominence as an underdog champion at UFC 297. Her grueling performance against Mayra Bueno Silva earned her the vacant bantamweight title. Though she later lost the title in a close fight, her championship victory in Toronto solidified her place among the year's best performers.
4: Julianna Pena
The comeback queen of 2024, Pena (12-5) made history at UFC 307 when she regained the bantamweight title she'd lost to Amanda Nunes in July. Her highly-anticipated rematch against Pennington marked over a decade since their first encounter on Season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter. Pena's split decision victory over Pennington solidified her place at the pinnacle of the 135-pound division.
3: Zhang Weili
China's own Zhang (25-3) continued to make history in 2024, as the first-ever Chinese UFC champion. Her second title defense against countrywoman Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 in April was a groundbreaking moment, as it marked the first time two Chinese fighters competed for a UFC title. Zhang's victory solidified her position as the absolute best at 115 pounds.
2: Kayla Harrison
Making her UFC debut in 2024, decorated judo Olympian Harrison (18-1) wasted no time establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with at bantamweight. Her dominant performances against former champion Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira earned her the No. 1 contender spot. Often labelled as the uncrowned champion, Harrison's striking and submission skills make her a unique and formidable fighter.
1: Valentina Shevchenko
After reclaiming the flyweight championship and settling scores with Alexa Grasso, Shevchenko (24-4-1) stood tall as the Female Fighter of the Year. Having a chip on her shoulder following her contentious draw in their previous encounter, she dominated Grasso in their trilogy at UFC 306. Her grappling and striking skills showcase her versatility and solidify her position as the gold standard, the pound-for-pound queen, and a fierce competitor.
Stay tuned for updates on these fearless fighters and more in the constantly evolving world of UFC competition!
Additional Insights:As of 2023, notable female UFC fighters typically included Amanda Nunes, Zhang Weili, and Valentina Shevchenko. Rose Namajunas was also recognized for her strong striking and grappling skills. However, in 2024, the landscape may have shifted with the impressive performances from these top five fighters.
Raquel Pennington's all-around skills and tenacious spirit make her a top fighter in the UFC, with her championship win at UFC 297 securing her a place among the best performers.
Julianna Pena's comeback in 2024 garnered history when she regained the bantamweight title she lost, solidifying her position at the pinnacle of the 135-pound division.
Zhang Weili, the first-ever Chinese UFC champion, continued to make history in 2024 by defending her title in a groundbreaking bout against fellow countryman Yan Xiaonan.
Kayla Harrison, a decorated judo Olympian making her UFC debut, wasted no time establishing herself as a force in the bantamweight division with her dominant performances against Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira.
Valentina Shevchenko's grappling and striking skills make her a unique and formidable fighter, claiming the Female Fighter of the Year title after reclaiming the flyweight championship.
