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.

Video of the Day - Frausto v. Sexton

Here is Zoila Frausto fighting Rosi Sexton in Bellator 23 which took place on 6/24/10. Frausto knocked Rosi out of her spot in the 115 pound Bellator season 3 women's tournament.  Frausto ended up winning the 1st ever Bellator Women's Championship, handing Megumi Fujii her first ever loss in the 5 round affair.

Bellator Women's Tourney Set

Despite a rash of legal proceedings against the UFC, TUF 12 competitor Jonathan Brookins and heavyweight prospect Dave "Pee Wee" Herman, Bellator will be coming back this Thursday night on Fox Sports Net.

The first event will take place this Thursday from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The event will feature two women's tournament bouts, Megumi Fujii v. Carla Esparaza and Jessica Aguilar v. Lynn Alvarez. The heavyweight tourney will kick off as well, featuring UFC veterans Eddie Sanchez and Neil Grove.

Here is a look at the Women's 115 pound field:

Megumi Fujii (20-0, 1-0 BFC)- Mega Megu is arguably the best women's submission fighter in the history of MMA with 16 sub victories. The Japanese dynamo already has the best undefeated mark in MMA history at a perfect 20 and 0. Megumi defeated Sara Schneider in her Bellator debut.

Carla Esparza (3-0)- This college wrestler will no doubt challenge Fujii in her first match with relentless takedowns. However, she is a relative newcomer in MMA just starting pro competition in February of 2010. All three of her fights have ended in submission.

Zolia "Warrior Princess" Frausto (7-1, 1-0 BFC)- Zolia earned her way into the Bellator tournament by delivering Rosi Sexton the first KO loss of her career with a nasty knee and punches. Zolia will look to use her Muay Thai striking to get far in the tournament.

Aisling Daly (9-0)- Daly is arguably the top women's fighter in the United Kingdom. The Irish fighter has 5 TKO's and 3 submissions on her record. Daly has notched 3 of her victories in the Cage Rage promotion.

Jessica Pene (7-0, 1-0 BFC)- This California based fighter has been dominating the lighter women since 2006. She defeated Tammie Schneider at Bellator 5, and followed it up with a rear naked choke of Angela Magana.

Lisa Ward (13-5, 1-0 BFC)- Lisa earned her way into the Bellator tourney by defeating Stephanie Frausto at Bellator 22. She has been fighting for 6 years, fighting in Smackgirl, Bodog and Deep.

Jessica Aguilar (8-3)- The American Top Team product has earned her way to the Bellator tourney with three straight wins in the Action Fight League. She has two wins over Angela Magana.

Lynn Alvarez (5-1)- The Shogun MMA fighter has 4 straight wins on her record, including a submission of Chelsea Colarelli in Shark Fights.


(Megumi Fujii Pictured)

Video of the Day - Toughill v. Yabushita

Here is Erin Toughill v. Megumi Yabushita from Remix Golden Gate 2001. Toughill recently won over undefeated Emily Thompson at PFC 13.

Toughill has a 10-2 pro MMA record and 8-2 boxing record, losing to Laila Ali in her highest profile women's fight. Toughill also had a brief stint as "Steel" in the revamped and short lived American Gladiators series.

Video of the Day - Evinger v. Kedzie

Here is Tonya Evinger v. Julie Kedzie in Elite XC. Elite XC is currently in limbo as their assets will probably be sold soon.