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The UFC Women’s Bantamweight division at 135 pounds has a storied history as the first women’s division in UFC history. Created when Ronda Rousey joined the promotion in 2012, the division has been home to some of the most dominant champions in combat sports. Here are the current Women’s Bantamweight Rankings for April 2026.

Champion

Raquel Pennington — The Colorado native is a seasoned veteran whose grit and determination finally earned her the title. Pennington is a complete fighter with underrated striking, solid wrestling, and the mental toughness to go to dark places in a fight and come out the other side.

Official Rankings (April 2026)

#1 — Julianna Peña

The Venezuelan Vixen is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. Peña made history by submitting Amanda Nunes to win the title, proving that the seemingly unbeatable Lioness could be stopped. Her relentless pressure, grappling, and never-say-die spirit make her a constant threat.

#2 — Amanda Nunes

The greatest women’s fighter in UFC history. Nunes held both the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously, defeating every top contender the division could offer. Though she has lost title fights in recent years, her power, speed, and championship pedigree never disappear completely.

#3 — Mayra Bueno Silva

The Brazilian grappler is one of the most dangerous submission artists in the women’s game. Her jiu-jitsu is world-class and she has the physical attributes to compete with anyone at 135 lbs. A title shot is within reach for Bueno Silva.

#4 — Karol Rosa

A well-rounded Brazilian veteran who brings pressure and toughness to every fight. Rosa has been knocking on the door of contender status for years and her experience and durability make her a difficult opponent for anyone in the top ten.

#5 — Holly Holm

The former champion who delivered one of the greatest upsets in UFC history by head-kicking Ronda Rousey into unconsciousness. Holm’s elite striking, footwork, and experience keep her relevant even as the division’s youth pushes upward. A true pioneer of women’s combat sports.

#6 — Ketlen Vieira

A big, physical bantamweight with strong wrestling and submission defense. Vieira has victories over multiple top-ten fighters and her size and strength at 135 lbs is a legitimate challenge for any opponent she faces.

#7 — Irene Aldana

The Mexican power puncher is one of the hardest hitters in the women’s division. Aldana has knockout power that makes her dangerous in any fight, and her overall skillset has developed significantly throughout her UFC tenure.

#8 — Aspen Ladd

A physically gifted bantamweight with strong wrestling and aggressive finishing ability. Ladd has faced adversity throughout her career but has the tools and the will to compete at the highest level of the division.

#9 — Macy Chiasson

A versatile former contender series alumna with strong striking and wrestling. Chiasson is a difficult opponent with multiple dimensions to her game, and her athletic background translates well into MMA competition.

#10 — Lina Lansberg

A durable Swedish striker who has been a fixture of the women’s bantamweight division. Lansberg’s experience and toughness have earned her wins over respected competition throughout her career.

Division History and Context

The women’s bantamweight division cannot be discussed without acknowledging Amanda Nunes, who held the title from 2016 to 2021 and again briefly after her rematch with Peña — one of the most dominant championship reigns in UFC history. She defended the title nine times, defeating Rousey, Holm, Shevchenko, Cyborg (at featherweight), and Peña in her rematch.

The division is now in a post-Nunes transitional period, with Pennington’s championship signaling an era where the title is genuinely up for grabs. Peña and Bueno Silva are the most dangerous challengers heading into the back half of 2026.