5 Youngest Women Strawweight UFC Champions Of All Time

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, the UFC has been a breeding ground for young talent looking to make their mark on the sport. The women’s strawweight division, in particular, has seen its fair share of youthful champions who defied the odds and claimed gold at a tender age. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the five youngest women’s strawweight UFC champions of all time.

1. Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas, known as “Thug Rose,” is a name synonymous with the women’s strawweight division. Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rose burst onto the UFC scene at a young age. She quickly gained recognition for her striking prowess and submission skills.

At the age of 25, on November 4, 2017, at UFC 217, Namajunas faced the feared champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Against all odds, Namajunas delivered a stunning first-round knockout, becoming the women’s strawweight champion. Her victory not only made her the youngest champion in the division’s history but also showcased her resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Namajunas’s journey to the championship was marked by dedication and hard work. Her striking coach and partner, Pat Barry, played a crucial role in her development as a fighter. Rose’s championship win was a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and her willingness to embrace challenges head-on.

2. Carla Esparza

Carla Esparza, born on October 10, 1987, in Torrance, California, holds a special place in the history of the women’s strawweight division. While not the youngest champion, she became the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion at the age of 27.

Esparza’s journey to the championship was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport of MMA. She honed her wrestling skills at a young age and transitioned seamlessly into mixed martial arts. Her tenacity and relentless wrestling style made her a formidable force in the division.

On December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale, Carla Esparza faced Rose Namajunas in the finals of the inaugural strawweight tournament. Esparza showcased her wrestling dominance, securing a submission victory and becoming the division’s first-ever champion.

Esparza’s championship win was a historic moment in the UFC’s history, as it marked the birth of the Women’s Strawweight division. While not the youngest champion on this list, her achievement laid the foundation for future champions in the division.

3. Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili, hailing from Hebei, China, is one of the most exciting prospects in the women’s strawweight division. Born on August 13, 1989, Zhang made history by becoming the first Chinese-born UFC champion.

At the age of 30, on August 31, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 157, Zhang Weili faced Jessica Andrade for the Women’s Strawweight title. In a dominant performance, Zhang secured a first-round knockout, claiming the championship and etching her name in the record books as one of the youngest champions in the division.

Zhang Weili’s journey to the title was a remarkable one. Her striking skills, combined with her relentless work ethic, made her a standout contender in the division. She showcased her versatility as a fighter and became an inspiration to aspiring athletes in China and beyond.

As the reigning champion, Zhang continues to defend her title, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s strawweight division. Her youthful exuberance and determination serve as a testament to the bright future of the division.

4. Joanna Jędrzejczyk

Joanna Jędrzejczyk, often referred to as “Joanna Champion,” is a Polish-born fighter who left an indelible mark on the women’s strawweight division. Born on August 18, 1987, in Olsztyn, Poland, Joanna showcased her striking prowess and technical brilliance inside the Octagon.

At the age of 28, on March 14, 2015, at UFC 185, Joanna faced Carla Esparza for the Women’s Strawweight Championship. In a dominant performance, she secured a second-round TKO victory, claiming the title. While not the youngest champion, Joanna’s technical excellence and striking mastery set her apart.

Joanna’s journey to the championship was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport. She trained tirelessly under renowned coaches and refined her striking skills to become one of the most feared fighters in the division.

During her reign as champion, Joanna defended her title multiple times, solidifying her legacy as one of the division’s greatest. Her fierce competitiveness and determination continue to inspire fighters worldwide, making her a true icon in the sport.

5. Tatiana Suarez

Tatiana Suarez, born on December 19, 1990, in Fontana, California, is a rising star in the women’s strawweight division. While not a champion yet, she is one of the youngest and most promising contenders in the division.

Suarez’s background in wrestling, stemming from her college days, has been the foundation of her success in MMA. Her relentless takedowns and ground control have made her a dominant force in the division.

At the age of 28, Tatiana Suarez has been on a meteoric rise in the UFC, showcasing her unbeaten record and formidable grappling skills. Her journey to the championship is eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike, as she represents the new generation of fighters in the Women’s Strawweight division.

The Future Champions

While these five fighters have made significant strides in the women’s strawweight division, their journeys are far from over. The division continues to evolve, and new talent emerges regularly. As these fighters pursue their dreams and strive for championship glory, they inspire a new generation of athletes to push their limits and achieve greatness in the world of MMA.

The Rising Stars

In addition to the established names mentioned above, there is a new crop of young talents emerging in the women’s strawweight division. These rising stars are setting their sights on championship gold and are poised to make their mark on the sport.

Names like Mackenzie Dern, Marina Rodriguez, and Amanda Ribas are gaining momentum and showcasing their skills in the Octagon. While they may not have reached championship status yet, their youthful energy and determination make them exciting prospects for the future.

The Legacy Continues

As the women’s strawweight division continues to thrive, it’s clear that youth is the driving force behind its success. The combination of experience, dedication, and raw talent displayed by these fighters is a testament to the bright future of the division.

Fans can expect to witness thrilling battles, historic moments, and the emergence of new champions as the legacy of the women’s strawweight division continues to unfold. Whether it’s Rose Namajunas defending her title or a young contender rising through the ranks, the division remains a captivating part of the MMA landscape.

In conclusion, the women’s strawweight division has seen its share of youthful champions and contenders who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether they are already champions or rising stars, these fighters showcase the depth of talent in the division and provide fans with thrilling performances inside the Octagon. As they continue to chase their dreams, the future of the women’s strawweight division looks bright, with a new generation of champions waiting to emerge.