Women’s Bantamweight
1. Ronda Rousey (11-0)
Rousey continues to demolish all challengers placed in front of her. At UFC 184, it was Cat Zingano who had the misfortune of running up against the unbeaten judoka; “Rowdy” disposed of her with a straight armbar after only 14 seconds, a new record for a UFC title fight. Now 5-0 inside the Octagon, Rousey has already opened as a massive betting favorite for her next title defense, which will come against Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro.2. Cat Zingano (9-1)
Like all those before her, Zingano was touted as UFC superstar Ronda Rousey’s toughest challenger to date. The Colorado native wound up as the champ’s quickest victim yet, as an ill-advised flying knee got Zingano caught in a straight armbar after only 14 seconds. However, given Zingano’s impressive and previously unblemished résumé -- with wins over Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes and Carina Damm -- she figures to get another top-10 opponent in short order.3. Miesha Tate (16-5)
Despite being floored by a huge right hand and suffering a broken orbital in round one of her fight with Sara McMann at UFC 183, Tate persevered and clawed her way back into the fight by way of a guillotine attempt and heavy top pressure. “Cupcake” took a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards. The 28-year-old is now booked for a July clash with Jessica Eye at UFC on Fox 16.4. Alexis Davis (17-6)
Eight years after their first meeting and three years after their second, Davis finally got revenge on old rival Sarah Kaufman with a second-round armbar at UFC 186. The bout was Davis’ first appearance since being punched out in 16 seconds by reigning bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey in July 2014, and the victory brings her UFC record to 4-1.5. Sara McMann (8-2)
McMann could not have gotten off to a better start at UFC 183, as she sent fellow contender Miesha Tate to the ground with a thunderous right hand. However, following a dominant opening round, the fight slipped away from the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, who was forced to fend off submissions and could not get off her back in the latter rounds. After starting her career with seven straight wins, McMann has dropped two of her last three outings against Tate and Ronda Rousey.6. Sarah Kaufman (17-3, 1 NC)
At UFC 186, Kaufman could not do what she had done twice before: beat Alexis Davis. After roughing up Davis with punches in the opening frame, the 29-year-old Canadian was submitted with a second-round armbar -- the submission now responsible for all three losses on Kaufman’s record. The defeat moves her to 1-1 with one no-contest inside the Octagon.7. Jessica Eye (11-2, 1 NC)
Eye did damage to the ear of Leslie Smith at UFC 180, as the Ohioan used quick, crisp punching to rupture Smith’s cauliflower and force a second-round doctor stoppage. The victory put Eye back on track following a hard-luck decision loss to Alexis Davis in February. The “Evil” one is scheduled for a July matchup with Miesha Tate.8. Marion Reneau (6-1)
Reneau burst onto the big stage in January with a three-round walloping of Alexis Dufresne, and it did not take long for “The Belizean Bruiser” to follow up with another impressive outing. Facing a more established and experienced foe on hostile soil, the 37-year-old made short work of Jessica Andrade on Feb. 22, forcing the Brazilian to submit to a triangle choke in less than two minutes.9. Bethe Correia (9-0)
Correia remained unbeaten and captured the biggest win of her young career at UFC 177, where she smashed Shayna Baszler with a second-round flurry of fists and elbows. With Baszler and Jessamyn Duke behind her, the 31-year-old Brazilian is now gunning for the leader of the “Four Horsewomen,” Ronda Rousey, whom Correia will attempt to dethrone at UFC 190.10. Liz Carmouche (10-5)
Carmouche was in need of a victory after losing three of four Octagon appearances and dropping back-to-back decisions to Miesha Tate and Alexis Davis. “Girl-rilla” got back in the win column on April 4, albeit with a questionable decision over Lauren Murphy in a lackluster three-rounder.Other Contenders: Jessica Andrade, Tonya Evinger, Holly Holm, Amanda Nunes, Julianna Pena.
Continue Reading » Women’s Strawweight