The UFC bantamweight division is one of the most talented and interesting in all of MMA. The 126-135 pound weight class is home to some of the best fighters in the world and has quickly become a battleground for title contenders.
The current women’s bantamweight champion is Brazilian superstar Amanda Nunes, who has already won two titles and is considered a living legend of the sport. She is currently the only female athlete in the history of the sport to hold two belts at once.
It was just a little over a year ago that Nunes became the first woman in MMA to win two titles, capturing the featherweight and bantamweight titles simultaneously. She also became the first woman to defend both titles five times, which makes her one of the most dominant women’s fighters in the history of the UFC.
In her first fight as a women’s bantamweight champion, she fought and defeated Miesha Tate in an outstanding performance. She has since defended her belt twice, most recently in an impressive defeat of Julianna Pena at UFC 277.
She is a pure talent, and the UFC should give her a chance to win her second title in 2022.
Ronda Rousey was the first female to sign with the UFC, and she immediately began establishing herself as a dominant force in the sport. She was known for her spectacular knockouts, but she also specialized in using her striking power to keep her opponents on the mat for long periods of time, eventually racking up three successful title defences in under two minutes each.
While the bantamweight title is arguably the most important in the MMA world, it is also the most challenging to earn. The gap between champion and contender is quite narrow, with every fighter in the top 10 within one fight of title contention status.
This is why it is important to look for someone who can be a real threat in their next fight. There are a few candidates to watch in the bantamweight division right now, and they all share a few things in common:
1. Sean O’Malley (13-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC)
O’Malley has exploded into the ranks of top bantamweights thanks to his impressive self-marketing tactics and spectacular knockouts. His brashness is very similar to that of Conor McGregor, but his training habits are very unique and he has made the fight game his own.
2. Deiveson Figueiredo (18-0 MMA, 9-1 UFC)
The Mexican-born fighter has been a standout in the UFC for years now, and he has become a legitimate top-10 contender in the bantamweight division as he continues to develop his game. He has a great record against former champions and is expected to get a shot at the title in his next fight.
3. Marlon Vera (20-1 MMA, 9-3 UFC)
The veteran fighter has been putting up solid performances in the 125-pound weight class, and he is one of the most exciting prospects to watch in the division. He is a huge fan favorite and has won four straight fights, which has helped him firmly establish himself as a top-10 prospect in the UFC’s bantamweight division.