The UFC Women’s divisions have showcased some of the most talented and dominant athletes in mixed martial arts. From pioneers who helped shape the sport to current champions who continue to rewrite the record books, the women of the UFC have proven time and again that they can stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
But what if we could pit today’s reigning champions against the greatest female fighters of all time? In this ultimate hypothetical showdown, we’re imagining these dream matchups — where current champions face off against the GOATs of their respective divisions. Who would come out on top in these fantasy fights? Join us as we break down the potential outcomes and examine why the legends of the women’s game might still have the edge, even in today’s ultra-competitive landscape.
Strawweight – Zhang Weili vs Zhang Weili
Winner: Zhang Weili
It’s a bold matchup when you pit a fighter against herself, but Zhang Weili is one of the most complete and dominant athletes in the women’s strawweight division ever. I understand that Joanna Jedrzejczyk is commonly known as the goat. Still, with her two wins over her and her brilliant resume other than the Rose Namajunas loses, Zhang Weili is the GOAT of the Strawweghts, making this a fight vs herself. Her dynamic striking, incredible power, and impeccable fight IQ make her a force to be reckoned with, and I don’t think anyone is on her level at 115 lbs.
I think the best version we saw of Zhang was when she regained the title against Carla Esparza, that performance was dominance from start to finish showing that no matter where the fight was Zhang was 10 steps ahead. What stood out most was Zhang’s ability to seamlessly transition between striking and wrestling. She dictated the fight’s pace, controlled scrambles with remarkable athleticism, and locked in a submission that left no doubt about her superiority. Her explosive power, fluid movement, and well-rounded skill set made this performance a testament to why she’s one of the greatest strawweights of all time. Zhang at UFC 281 was the perfect mix of power and precision, leaving fans in awe of her dominance.
Flyweight – Valentina Shevchenko vs Valentina Shevchenko
Winner: Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded and technical fighters in MMA, male or female. This is another case where I think the champ is also the GOAT, and I think this one is undisputed, unlike Weili. Shevchenko’s striking, grappling, and fight IQ are among the best in the sport. Her ability to control the pace, mix up her attacks, and impose her will on opponents is unparalleled in the flyweight division.
There are a lot of matches you could say are peak Val: Jessica Eye, Katlyn Chookagian or Lauren Murphy, but Valentina Shevchenko’s destruction of Jessica Andrade at UFC 261 was one of the most dominant displays of her career. Facing a powerful and aggressive opponent in Andrade, Shevchenko demonstrated why she’s considered one of the most complete fighters in MMA. Her wrestling, often an underrated aspect of her game, was the key to this performance.
Shevchenko executed a flawless game plan, taking Andrade down repeatedly with ease and controlling her on the mat. Her strength and technique were on full display as she secured the crucifix position multiple times, raining down relentless ground-and-pound that forced the referee to step in. This fight wasn’t just a victory but a statement about Shevchenko’s ability to impose her will in any area of the fight. UFC 261 was the moment where her grappling shone as brightly as her striking, solidifying her legacy as an unstoppable force at flyweight.
Bantamweight – Amanda Nunes vs Julianna Peña
Winner: Amanda Nunes
While Julianna Peña pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history when she defeated Amanda Nunes at UFC 269, the rematch was a different story. Nunes made one slight adjustment in stance and dominated for five rounds straight, showing why she’s the best to ever do it.
In a trilogy fight, Nunes’ power, precision, and vast experience would likely be too much for Peña to handle. Although Peña’s toughness and resilience are undeniable, Nunes’ superior striking, combination of power and technique, and ability to control the fight from any range would likely secure another dominant victory. Nunes has repeatedly shown that when she’s firing on all cylinders, she’s nearly untouchable, and this would showcase her brilliance in the cage.
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