Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Women’s Featherweight

1. Cristiane Justino (17-1, 1 NC)

Where does one even start with the latest in the ongoing “Cyborg” drama? Justino has attempted to call her own shot for UFC 214 on July 29, lobbying for an interim title fight with Invicta champ Megan Anderson, given UFC titleholder Germaine de Randamie's seeming unavailability. Then she made headlines for punching Angela Magana at the UFC Athlete Retreat. Now, de Randamie has called “Cyborg” a steroid cheat and says she would rather vacate the UFC title than face the Brazilian. It is a messy, nasty situation to put it mildly.

2. Julia Budd (10-2)

Bellator MMA crowned Budd its first women’s featherweight champion on March 3. The British Columbia native was too big and too physical for MMA pioneer Marloes Coenen, as “The Jewel” battered the Dutch fighter to a fourth-round stoppage and into retirement following the bout.

3. Megan Anderson (8-2)

One of fastest rising women in the sport, Anderson's highlight-reel striking and promotion to Invicta featherweight champion figured to earn her a big assignment next time out, regardless of what cage it was in. While she is still far from a confirmed UFC commodity, the exciting Aussie has already gotten plenty of shine from the promotion and has wisely started to angle for a big-ticket bout with Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino at UFC 214 in July.

4. Germaine de Randamie (7-3)

First, de Randamie seemed unwilling to defend the UFC women's featherweight crown against Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino due to an injured hand that may require surgery. As weeks and months rolled on, “The Iron Lady” and her management then stated that de Randamie had obligations as a Dutch police officer that would keep her out of the cage for a moment. In the latest twist, de Randamie said that while she still sought additional treatment for her hand, she was more inclined to return to 135 pounds and had no interest in ever facing Justino, whom she labeled a steroid cheat.

5. Charmaine Tweet (9-6)

Tweet’s sensational spinning back fist knockout of the previously unbeaten Latoya Walker last May earned her a crack at the interim Invicta featherweight title on Jan. 14. However, in the main event of Invicta 21, the Saskatchewan, Canada, native was head kicked and knocked out by rising stalwart Megan Anderson. Tweet’s last three losses have come to divisional standouts Anderson, Cristiane Justino and Julia Budd.

6. Arlene Blencowe (9-6)

Given the thin nature of the women's featherweight division, fighting frequently can be difficult. Case in point: Australia's Blencowe only got to fight once in 2016. Perhaps heartened by losing a competitive majority decision to divisional No. 2 Julia Budd in October, Blencowe has found a way to stay active. In January, she earned a 68-second knockout over Janay Harding. She then dropped to 135 pounds and traveled to China to knock out Tasmania's Rhiannon Thompson in the first round on April 15. Now, “Angerfist” has taken to calling out both Bethe Correia and Cristiane Justino, looking to land a major bout in the UFC, whether it is at 135 or 145 pounds.

7. Helena Kolesnyk (5-0, 1 NC)

Ukraine's Kolesnyk has used her sharp striking and weak opposition to put herself on the map at 145 pounds. Unfortunately, her first slated bout against a strong opponent turned ruinous: “Pretty Helena” was supposed to face France's Iony Razafiarison at Superior Fighting Championship 17 on May 20, but Kolesnyk did not make weight and Razafiarison would not accept the bout at a catchweight, leading to its cancellation.

8. Amanda Bell (4-4)

After back-to-back losses to Faith van Duin and Megan Anderson in Invicta Fighting Championships, “The Lady Killer” earned a quality win over Gabrielle Holloway under the King of the Cage banner on Feb. 4. With Bellator MMA fleshing out its 145-pound division, Bell’s free-swinging style has earned her a big-fight contract, as she has signed on with Bellator for a debut later this year.

9. Gabrielle Holloway (6-5)

The 145-pound focus at Bellator 174 was the inaugural women’s title bout between Julia Budd and Marloes Coenen in the main event. Nonetheless, on the undercard, Holloway earned the biggest win of her pro career, as she broke a two-fight skid by pounding out UFC veteran Alexis Dufresne in the second round. As a result, she figures to be a contender in Bellator’s nascent women’s featherweight division.

10. Ediane Gomes (11-4)

In search of her first win in over four years, Gomes returned to the featherweight division after going 0-2 at 135 pounds. “India” made the most of the chance, soundly besting the tough Pam Sorenson over 15 minutes at Invicta 23 and putting herself back on the map at 145 pounds.

Other Contenders: Martyna Czech, Amber Leibrock, Leah Letson, Jessica Miele, Iony Razafiarison.

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