Most Successful Females in Combat Sports

Followers of professional sports competitions have watched the rise of female sports with interest and excitement. Women’s soccer is more popular today than ever, with thousands attending the top games and millions more worldwide watching action from the Women’s Super League and Women’s World Cup. Games are fast-paced, energetic, unpredictable, and great fun to follow. You can even predict the result of the next women’s game shown live on TV at the top betting sites. Study the form, check the odds, and wager on the outcome.

Soccer isn’t the only sport highlighting the skills of female players. You’ll also find a dedicated women’s professional league in basketball, rugby, tennis, and more. All the best-followed sports offer female competition, and with the top TV broadcasters screening games live, we’re seeing an increase in the caliber of players, the prize money available, and big-name sponsors. It’s still the early days of women’s football, basketball, and soccer, but we’re living in exciting times. The future is bright, and fans can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.

For evidence of just how popular women’s sports are today, you should check the confirmed viewing figures of the top . From January to April of 2023, over 20 million people watched women’s sports on television, at the stadium, or through live-streaming apps. The Women’s Six Nations, Women’s Super League, and the Women’s ICC Cricket World Cup helped drive those record numbers, and we expect the first quarter of 2024 to follow that trend.

Ahead of the curve

While women in sport is nothing new, some have organized and nurtured women’s sport longer than others. Combat sports are a driving force behind the success of female athletes, and we’ve seen many of the top names in boxing and MMA work with major advertisers and sponsors, including Nike, Under Armour, and other top brands. Women’s boxing is also much older than many other female sports, meaning it’s ahead of the curve.

Girls began competing in boxing around 20 years ago. It started with teenagers fighting on amateur cards across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and further afield. These young warriors understood that to reach the top, they had to battle their opponent and the rules of an ancient sport that were changing and evolving slower than they’d like. The best young female fighters won multiple awards at an amateur level before finally breaking through into the pro ranks.

Check any upcoming UFC card or event staged by a major boxing promoter, like Eddie Hearn or Oscar de la Hoya, and you’ll notice a large section of the card includes female fights. We’ve also watched and enjoyed female-only boxing cards, including at least one major championship bout at the top of the bill. Women’s world boxing champions are more famous and recognizable now than they were a decade ago, and that shows how far the sport has evolved.

Who are the best fighters on the female combat sports circuit? Which names have earned more cash from fighting than some of their male counterparts? Keep reading as we reveal some of the highest earners and most successful female fighters around today.

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Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is undeniably one of the trailblazers who propelled female combat sports into the mainstream. A former Olympic judoka, Rousey transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) and became the first-ever UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Known for her armbars and unparalleled dominance, Rousey achieved a 12-0 undefeated streak, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in women’s MMA.

Not only did Rousey pave the way for other female fighters, but she also broke through financial barriers. Rousey’s success inside and outside the octagon led to lucrative endorsement deals, Hollywood appearances, and a massive payday in her headline-making bout against Holly Holm. While Rousey has since transitioned to professional wrestling, her impact on female combat sports and her earnings legacy remain unmatched.

Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes has established herself as one of the most dominant forces in women’s MMA. Hailing from Brazil, “The Lioness” has conquered both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions in the UFC, holding titles simultaneously in a historic feat. Nunes has showcased her striking power and well-rounded skills, earning her the reputation of being one of the greatest female fighters of all time.

Nunes’s success inside the octagon has translated into financial success as well. Her status as a two-division champion and her thrilling knockout victories have attracted a significant fan base. This popularity, combined with her skill set, has resulted in lucrative endorsement deals and higher payouts, contributing to her position as one of the highest-earning female athletes in combat sports.

Claressa Shields

In the realm of women’s boxing, Claressa Shields has been a beacon of talent and resilience. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields moved to professional boxing and made a significant impact. Breaking down stereotypes about women in combat sports, Shields has been a vocal advocate for equal pay and opportunities in boxing.

Her pursuit of greatness has not gone unnoticed, both in terms of accolades and earnings. Shields has become a multi-weight world champion and the undisputed middleweight champion, solidifying her place as one of the most successful female boxers. Her influence extends beyond the ring as she continues to fight for gender equality and fair compensation in the male-dominated world of boxing.

Joanna Jędrzejczyk

Known for her striking prowess and relentless pace, Joanna Jędrzejczyk has been a force within the UFC’s strawweight division. The Polish fighter’s technical skills and unyielding determination have earned her multiple title defenses and widespread acclaim.

While Jędrzejczyk’s earnings might not match those of some of her counterparts in the UFC, her impact on female combat sports is undeniable. The fighter has become a role model for aspiring athletes, showcasing that hard work and skill can break through barriers. Her ability to draw fans with exciting performances has also contributed to the overall growth and popularity of women’s MMA.

Katie Taylor

In professional boxing, Katie Taylor stands as a benchmark for skill and determination. The Irish boxer, a former Olympic gold medalist, has transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks, becoming the undisputed lightweight champion. Taylor’s technical proficiency and exciting fighting style have garnered her a dedicated fan base.

Taylor’s success in the ring has translated into financial success as well. As one of the highest-earning female boxers, she has broken barriers in a sport where women historically faced challenges in gaining recognition and adequate compensation. Taylor’s achievements have not only elevated her status but have also contributed to the increased visibility and respect for women’s boxing.