Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Women’s Flyweight

1. Jennifer Maia (14-4-1)

It was over seven years ago that Maia projected as a major MMA prospect, and the Curitiba, Brazil, native has found her stride. Back-to-back decisions over longtime divisional stalwarts Vanessa Porto and Roxanne Modafferi put her on top of the division and made her the Invicta flyweight champion. Maia has now won five in a row and seven of her last eight since 2014.

2. Vanessa Porto (18-7)

Porto has spent more than a decade tangling with the best women in the sport from 125 to 145 pounds. However, the Brazilian has often slipped up when it matters most: She dropped a 25-minute decision in April 2013 when she challenged Barb Honchak for the Invicta flyweight title, then failed to replicate her early career win over Jennifer Maia in her second Invicta title bid in March 2016. In order for the 33-year-old to get a rubber match with Maia and another crack at Invicta gold, she will need to become the first woman to defeat Poland's Agnieszka Niedzwiedz at Invicta 23 on May 20.

3. Roxanne Modafferi (20-13)

Modafferi fell just short of becoming Invicta flyweight champion in September, when she dropped a split decision to Brazilian Jennifer Maia. Following a second-round submission over tune-up opponent Priscila de Souza on April 1, Modafferi's path to another shot at Maia's throne runs through Invicta 23 on May 20. However, “The Happy Warrior” is not getting a soft touch, as she will tangle with the division's underrated spoiler, hard-grappling Sarah D'Alelio, who has not lost a bout in nearly three years.

4. Rin Nakai (19-2-1)

Admittedly, the 5-foot-1 Nakai’s UFC run at 135 pounds did not go well, as she dropped lame decisions to Miesha Tate and Leslie Smith. However, since returning to her home promotion Pancrase and dedicating herself to 125 pounds, Nakai has gone an impressive 3-0. She most recently competed for the Rizin Fighting Federation on Dec. 29 and defeated the previously unbeaten Kanako Murata, a true world-class wrestler.

5. Sarah D’Alelio (11-6)

When she upset future UFC champion Amanda Nunes in January 2013, it looked like D'Alelio might be hitting her stride, but she wound up losing decisions in her next three bouts. “The Monster” cut to 125 pounds in March 2016 and has not lost since, picking up quality wins over Andrea Lee, Jenny Liou and Jaimelene Nievara. The 36-year-old now stands on the doorstep of a potential Invicta title shot and emerging as a truly elite fighter. To earn both of those, she will need to top veteran standout Roxanne Modafferi at Invicta 23 on May 20.

6. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (6-0)

“The Ilimanator” ran through Jessica Middleton at Bellator 178 on April 21, locking up an armbar in just over two minutes to cinch her fifth win for the promotion. At this point, the 27-year-old Hawaiian is a virtual lock to be a part of the inaugural Bellator MMA women’s flyweight title fight, whenever the company decides to put another championship in circulation.

7. Ariane Lipski (8-3)

Lipski’s six-fight winning streak, major knockout power and 1994 birthdate have made her one of the most exciting prospect in women’s MMA. She can take a major leap into the sport’s spotlight and earn a major victory her next time out when she meets fellow prospect Diana Belbita for the inaugural KSW women’s flyweight title on May 27. Adding to the intrigue, the fight is part of KSW’s first stadium show and could take place in front of upwards of 60,000 fans.

8. Jingnan Xiong (9-1)

China's Xiong is overdue for a step up in competition and she was set to get one at Kunlun Fight MMA 11 on May 4, facing previously unbeaten Brazilian Simone Duarte. Instead, Xiong was injured in training and forced to pull out. In her stead, Weili Zhang stepped into her place, pounded out Duarte in the first round and seized what could have been a breakout opportunity for Xiong

9. Andrea Lee (6-2)

With her third-round armbar win over Heather Bassett on Feb. 17, Lee became Legacy Fighting Alliance's first flyweight queen. Given her finish-oriented fight style and charisma, it would be a shame if “KGB” just stuck around in one promotion. Fortunately, the Louisiana-based karateka agrees: Lee will return to Invicta Fighting Championships on May 20 to face Liz Tracy, who has looked rock-solid through just four pro fights.

10. Agnieszka Niedzwiedz (9-0)

Poland is one of MMA's top nations, but between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Karolina Kowalkiewicz, the country has quickly developed a reputation for churning out top female talent. Niedzwiedz could be next in line. The 22-year-old looked every bit the part in her Invicta debut in July, when she topped tough Christine Stanley, but in December, she blew weight by nearly five pounds before knocking out talented Brazilian Samara Santos. If she wants to be a top 125-pounder, Niedzwiedz will need to conquer the scale and a serious opponent next time out, as she will face Vanessa Porto at Invicta 23 on May 20.

Other Contenders: Diana Belbita, Emily Ducote, Sabina Mazo, Rebecca Ruth, Brogan Walker.

Continue Reading » Women’s Strawweight