Prospects For UFC's Women's Divisions

I was recently asked about the depth of the women's divisions in the UFC and whether or not there are any intriguing prospects existed outside the organization. Like the HW and flyweight divisions on the men's side, the women's divisions need more prospects. The key is to get fighters in the organization, give them fights, and find out if they are legit. Having fighters sit on the sidelines will only hurt the division.

Here is a look at some of the prospects who should be very close to getting the call:

135 Pound Prospects

Tonya Evinger (18-5) the 34 year old Evinger has been on the women's MMA scene since 2006. After coming up short at but recently has strung together 9 straight wins and capturing the Invicta title. A college wrestler, Evinger recently TKO'd Pannie Kinzaid, then 8-0, and has career victories over Julie Kedzie, Ediane Gomes and Carina Damm.


Taila Santos (13-0) the 22 year old has been tearing up Santa Catarina, Brazil fight scene. She has 8 T/KO's and 2 submission wins on her resume. Her best victory was probably over Gisele Moreira. For some reason, she hasn't fought since August 16, 2015.


Elina Kallionidou (4-0) the 17 year old Greek fighter has fought exclusively in Athens thus far in her career. In her last 2 bouts, she defeated Foteini Kromida, then 4-0, and Roxane Teixeira, then 4-2.



125 Pound Prospects

Barb Honchak (10-2)- the current Invicta flyweight champ has gone undefeated since 2 decision losses in 2010 to UFC fighers Cat Zingano and Angela Magana. She has wins over UFC veterans Leslie Smith, Aisling Daly and Roxanne Modafferi. At 36 years old, a cut to 115 would be difficult to say the least.


Jennifer Maia (13-4)- Maia recently defeated Vanessa Porto via decision to win the interim Invicta title. Maia has won four straight since a loss to Deanna Bennett.


Vanessa Porto (18-7)- the Brazilian has been on fire lately with 3 straight quality wins after a decision loss to Barb Honchak. A little on the short side at 5'2" you would expect Porto could make the 115 pound limit. Porto has career wins over Tonya Evinger, Roxanne Modafferi, Germaine de Randamie, Tara LaRosa and former Bellator champ Zoila Frausto.


115 Pound Prospects

Viviane Pereira (10-0)- the Brazilian has dominated low level competition on Sao Paulo, Brazil fight circuit.


Alex Grasso (7-0)- the 22 year old Mexican fighter has won 3 straight in Invicta, most recently defeating Mizuki Inoue (9-3) via decision.


Livia Renata Souza (9-1)- the Brazilian recently KO'd DeAnna Bennett then 8-1 and beforehand submitted Katja Kankaanpaa via 4th round triangle choke handing the Finn her first loss. She is generally ranked in the top 5 now, but then lost a split decision to UFC veteran Angela Hill.