As mixed martial arts (MMA) continues to gain momentum as the fastest
growing sport in history, the action is heating up nowadays with the
ladies pounding it out alongside the men. No longer considered to be
just another “guy’s sport,” MMA is attracting both male and female
fight fans from all around the world, with both parties joining in on
the action inside the cage. Sure, watching two guys go toe-to-toe is a
real treat, but seeing a couple of lovely ladies battle it out is
equally impressive.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 7 of today’s top female fighters.
7. Erin Toughill
A
product of Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas, Nevada,
Erin Toughill is a rising star in the world of women’s MMA. As a
professional boxer, Toughill duked it out with some of the toughest
females inside the ring, including a notable match against Laila Ali,
the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Thus far in her mixed
martial arts career, Erin has earned a record of 13-2, fighting for
promotions including Smackgirl and Palace Fighting Championships. Along
with her boxing and MMA career, Toughill also appeared as “Steel” on American Gladiators.
Not impressed yet? This Xtreme Couture team member also serves as one
of Randy Couture’s primary grappling coaches, having cornered “The
Natural” in a few of his fights.
6. Roxanne Modafferi
Scheduled
to face Sarah Kaufman for the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight
Championship on July 23, 2010, Roxanne Modafferi is an American mixed
martial artist who’s racked up a pro record of 15-5, having fought for a
variety of organizations including Strikeforce, Moosin, King of the
Cage, bodogFight, and more. With notable battles against Tara LaRosa and
Marloes Coenen under her belt, Modafferi has climbed her way to the top
of the women’s bantamweight heap while racking up a string of
impressive victories over some of the toughest female competitors out
there.
5. Tara LaRosa
Holding
bragging rights as the first and final BodogFIGHT women’s bantamweight
champion, Tara LaRosa’s professional record includes a total of 20
fights, with 18 wins and just 2 losses. With an arsenal that includes a
combination of Muay Thai, karate, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, LaRosa
has made her mark on the women’s MMA scene with noteworthy victories
over top fighters including Amanda Buckner and Kelly Kobold.
4. Sarah Kaufman
An
undefeated knockout artist who also happens to be the Strikeforce
women’s bantamweight champion, Sarah Kaufman is one of the fiercest
female fighters in the 135-pound division. Holding an impressive record
of 11-0, this Canadian fighter won her first seven pro fights by way of
knockout and has competed in several promotions including ShoMMA, Palace
Fighting Championships and Hardcore Fighting Championships. With her
undefeated win streak, it comes as no surprise that Kaufman is currently
ranked as one of the best female bantamweight fighters in the world.
3. Megumi Fujii
Regarded
as the top women’s mixed martial artist in Japan, as well as one of the
pound-for-pound best female fighters on the planet, Megumi Fujii is a
force to be reckoned with in women’s MMA. A popular fighter in
promotions including Smackgirl and Shooto, Fujii was recently added to
the Bellator roster, as a competitor in the season three women’s
tournament. Currently undefeated in her pro career, Megumi has earned a
reputation in the ring as an elite submission specialist known for her
quick takedowns and brutal submissions.
2. Gina Carano
Often
referred to as the “face of women’s MMA,” Gina Carano possesses a
killer combination of talent and natural beauty. In addition to being
one of the world’s elite female fighters, Carano is an aspiring model
and actress who’s been crushing ladies in the ring with a professional
record of 8-1. Originally starting her fight career as a Muay Thai
specialist, Carano delivered multiple beat-downs as “Crush” on American Gladiators
prior to kicking her professional MMA fight career into overdrive. Her
only loss inside the cage comes at the hands of the current Strikeforce
women’s featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos.
1. Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos
Holding
the crown as the most lethal fighter in women’s MMA, Cristiane “Cyborg”
Santos is widely considered to be the pound-for-pound best female
fighter in the world. Currently the Strikeforce women’s featherweight
champion, this Brazilian wrecking machine has demolished all competition
inside the cage, including a notable victory over former champ Gina
Carano. Most recently, Santos defended her title for the second time
with an impressive victory over Jan Finney at Strikeforce: Fedor vs.
Werdum, winning by knockout in the event, further solidifying her status
as one of the top fighters in the world.
Source: Ask Men
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