The recent retirement of Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, has left a significant void in women’s mixed martial arts. As fans and analysts speculate about who will step up to become the new face of the sport, we present the top five UFC fighters who have the potential to fill Nunes’ formidable shoes.
- Valentina Shevchenko: Valentina Shevchenko, the current UFC women’s flyweight champion, is undoubtedly a frontrunner for the role. Shevchenko has already faced Nunes twice, falling short both times, but her exceptional striking, technical prowess, and dominance in the flyweight division make her a strong candidate to assume the mantle.
- Rose Namajunas: Rose Namajunas has proven herself to be an exceptional fighter, capturing and defending the strawweight title with memorable performances. Her victories over the likes of Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili have solidified her position as one of the best fighters in the world. With her well-rounded skill set and mental toughness, Namajunas has the potential to become a captivating figure in women’s MMA.
- Weili Zhang: Weili Zhang burst onto the scene with a stunning knockout victory over Jessica Andrade, capturing the strawweight title in the process. Her subsequent battle against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, widely regarded as an instant classic, showcased her exceptional skills and warrior spirit. Zhang’s relentless style and ability to finish fights make her a compelling candidate to carry the torch forward.
- Kayla Harrison: While not currently competing in the UFC, Kayla Harrison is a rising star in the world of MMA. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison possesses a dominant grappling pedigree. If she transitions successfully to the UFC and showcases her skills, her marketable personality and potential dominance could make her a future superstar and the face of women’s MMA.
- Germaine de Randamie: Germaine de Randamie, a former UFC featherweight champion, has established herself as one of the best strikers in women’s MMA. Although she previously lost to Nunes, de Randamie’s experience and striking ability make her a legitimate contender to rise to the top of the division. Her resurgence could pave the way for her to assume a leading role in women’s MMA.
With Amanda Nunes retiring, the search for a new face of women’s MMA is underway. Valentina Shevchenko, Rose Namajunas, Weili Zhang, Kayla Harrison, and Germaine de Randamie are all exceptional fighters who have the potential to take up the mantle left by Nunes. While it is a challenging task to match Nunes’ level of success and dominance, these five women possess the skill, charisma, and determination to become the new icons of women’s MMA. As the sport continues to evolve, their journeys and rivalries will shape the future of women’s mixed martial arts, ensuring an exciting and compelling era lies ahead.
