Powerhouse Women: Top 5 Most Muscular Female MMA Fighters in 2024

By Ali Hammad August 24, 2024 05:20

Photo by Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Female fighters have opened yet another frontier for physical prowess and athletic achievement. But when it comes to looking forward into 2024, an even newer breed of women is beginning to make their mark in the sport by displaying more muscle and fighting prowess than ever before. Today, we look at the top 5 most muscle-bound and powerful women in mixed martial arts that might rule the roost by 2024.

1. Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili has proven to be one of the most physically dominant fighters in women's MMA today, as the reigning UFC strawweight champion. Zhang is an iconic figure because of the way she hits like a truck and how incredibly strong she is.

Her base is striking, influenced by a background of kickboxing and Sanda Chinese kickboxing. Nothing flashy, just powerful kicks and punches thrown at a relentless clip that eventually overwhelms the opposition. She has also developed a strong grappling game, which makes her versatile across the board in MMA.

Key accomplishments

Second two-time UFC Strawweight Champion
UFC strawweight 13 fights longest active streak and longest in division history

2. Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka, correctly transitioned to MMA, presenting a muscular build and impeccable grappling credentials. Harrison makes a physical impression in two weight classes because she is considered one of the most muscular women in fighting, making her opponents tremble with fear.

Harrison’s fighting approach is underlined by her judo background; her throw, takedown, and ground control strength are among the strongest. While chasing a stand-up, Kayla has maintained a solid striking set that is powerful enough to be competitive.

Key accomplishments

Two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka
Two-time PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion

3. Amanda Nunes

Nunes may have retired in 2023, but her legacy and UFC physicality remain second to none for women fighters entering 2024. The Lioness produced powerful performances in two weight classes and was recognized for her chiseled frame.

Nunes is one of the few fighters who could blend incredible striking with superb grappling. One-punch power and submission skills on the ground made her one of MMA's most well-rounded, dangerous fighters at a time when women were still not promoted based solely upon their merit.

Key accomplishments

UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion
The first woman to hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously
UFC Women's Featherweight Champion (most consecutive defenses)

4. Cris Cyborg

Cristiane Justino Venâncio, or simply called Cris Cyborg, has been a force of nature in women's MMA for over ten straight years. Her muscular aesthetics and predatory fighting style have transformed her into one of the most feared warriors in combat.

Cyborg's martial arts background in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means that she has acquired a well-rounded game. She is regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA and carries a terrific overhand right, along with her vicious clinch striking. That power comes in handy on the mat, as she is able to maintain top position and submit foes.

Key accomplishments

Grand Slam Champion in MMA history
Championships from the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce and Invicta FC
Longest Undefeated Streak in MMA History (21)
World Champion in Muay Thai

5. Gabi Garcia

Despite not having fought for a major MMA promotion, Gabi Garcia is simply a must-have in any conversation about the most physically imposing female fighters on the planet. With a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a massive frame, Garcia has carved out quite a unique spot for herself, historically speaking, regarding women's MMA.

Garcia's style strongly emphasizes base grappling but is also very physical and aggressive. When Garcia has a physical edge, she favors taking things to the ground or pressing her foes against the cage, where her submission game can come into play.

Key accomplishments

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion (3x)
UFC fighter (welterweight) & ADCC Submission Wrestling World Champion
Rizin FF record (6-0, 1 NC)

These five warriors epitomize the definition of muscle and strength when it comes to women in mixed martial arts. Their impressive builds, which they realize have come from years of training and not just a natural disposition toward physical perfection, as well as their records on the mat or platform, push us beyond what we believe women are capable of jetting sometime in the foreseeable future.