Women’s Strawweight
1. Rose Namajunas (8-3)
Namajunas got the better of Joanna Jedrzejczyk in their rematch, outpointing her rival over the course of five hard-fought rounds in the UFC 223 headliner at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. What made the triumph more impressive than her first-round stoppage of Jedrzejczyk at UFC 217 in November was the fact that Namajunas had to overcome adversity against an opponent who was experienced in five-round affairs. A scary thought for the rest of the division: Namajunas only seems to be getting better.2. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-2)
Without a harrowing weight cut, Jedrzejczyk was a much-improved fighter in her rematch against Rose Namajunas in the UFC 223 co-main event. However, it was not enough to secure the victory, as the Pole dropped a five-round verdict to “Thug Rose” at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Jedrzejczyk will compete in her first non-title bout since 2014 when she meets Tecia Torres at UFC on Fox 30 on July 28.3. Jessica Andrade (18-6)
Andrade appears to be on the verge of her second title shot since moving to 115 pounds. After a slow start against Tecia Torres in the UFC on Fox 28 co-headliner, “Bate Estaca” imposed her will through takedowns and ground-and-pound over the final 10 minutes to earn a convincing unanimous decision. Andrade is now 5-1 since moving to strawweight and was undoubtedly an interested observer when Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jedrzejczyk squared off for a second time at UFC 223 on April 7.4. Claudia Gadelha (15-3)
“Claudinha’s” quest for a third crack at Joanna Jedrzejczyk and a second chance at her throne came to a screeching halt in Saitama, Japan, courtesy of Jessica Andrade. Gadelha started strong but faded after the first round, enduring a beating from her fellow Brazilian and dropping her previously ironclad No. 2 status in the division. The Brazilian will look to return to the win column when she faces ex-champion Carla Esparza at UFC 225 on June 9 in Chicago.5. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-2)
A diet of straight punches, knees and elbows propelled Kowalkiewicz to a hard-fought split decision over Felice Herrig at UFC 223. With two straight wins under her belt, the 32-year-old Pole has rebounded nicely from blowout losses to Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha. Considering her recent history, which includes a victory over reigning 115-pound queen Rose Namajunas, Kowalkiewicz figures to be a key figure in future title discussions.6. Tecia Torres (10-2)
Torres saw a three-fight winning streak -- and her championship hopes -- come to an end at UFC on Fox 28, where she dropped a unanimous verdict to Jessica Andrade in the co-main event. Torres had her moments but was ultimately overwhelmed by Andrade’s sheer physicality. At just 28 years old, “The Ultimate Fighter 20” quarterfinalist still has plenty of time to climb back into title contention, and she can take a major step in that direction with a win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk in their UFC on Fox 30 clash on July 28.7. Carla Esparza (13-4)
Just 2-2 in her previous four appearances, Esparza was in a critical position heading into UFC 219 on Dec. 30, as she faced previously unbeaten Team Alpha Male prospect Cynthia Calvillo. With her back against the wall, “The Cookie Monster” made the decision crumble her way, outpointing Calvillo and taking a pivotal unanimous decision. Esparza can continue her ascent by defeating former title challenger Claudia Gadelha at UFC 225 on June 9.8. Livia Renata Souza (11-1)
Souza has been one of the very best strawweights in the world for no less than two years, but her untimely defeat to Angela Hill in a May 2016 Invicta title bout seemed to slow the Brazilian’s roll to the UFC. Since the loss to “Angie Overkill,” Souza walloped atomweight ruler Ayaka Hamasaki and handed fellow Brazilian Janaisa Morandin her first career loss, earning her that coveted UFC deal. “Livinha’s” Octagon debut will have to wait, however, as a hand injury forced her to pull out of a UFC Fight Night 126 clash with Jessica Aguilar.9. Cynthia Calvillo (6-1)
Calvillo took the first loss of her pro career at UFC 219 on Dec. 30, suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza. For a time, it looked as if the setback would simply be a learning experience, but the defeat also comes with extended time on the shelf. Calvillo tested positive for cannabis metabolites at the event and received a nine-month suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission. She will be eligible to return on Sept. 30.10. Felice Herrig (14-6)
Herrig’s four-fight winning streak came to an end at the hands of Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 223, but “Lil Bulldog” still made things interesting. The Team Curran representative could not match her opponent’s volume in the fight, but she did rock the Pole in the final stanza before losing a competitive split decision. Moving forward, Herrig figures to remain in the mix for another interesting bout at 115 pounds.Other Contenders: Nina Ansaroff , Angela Hill, Tatiana Suarez, Virna Jandiroba, Viviane Pereira
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