Led by Ronda Rousey, women’s MMA is finally getting the attention it deserves. Although the women’s bantamweight champ dwarfs the field in terms of fame and fighting ability, there are still plenty of lady fighters you should keep an eye on.
Today, we break down a few of the best upcoming women’s bouts. Of course, we’ve included our current odds where applicable.
NOVEMBER 14, UFC 193
Ronda Rousey -1500 vs. Holly Holm +1000
Any discussion of women’s MMA has to begin with Rousey, who will defend her belt in Australia in front of what’s expected to be the biggest crowd in UFC history. Her opponent, Holly Holm, is a decorated former world champion boxer with an undefeated record. Totally unrelated: Rousey has also been confirmed for a starring role in the Roadhouse remake. Living up to Patrick Swayze’s Dalton from the classic movie is a tall task, and let’s hope Rousey’s acting isn’t as one-dimensional as her part in Fast and Furious.
An interesting storyline here is whether fans will get tired of seeing Ronda demolish every fighter and start losing interest. There’s a point where being too good can actually work against you, and Rousey could get there pretty quick.
NOVEMBER 14, UFC 193
Joanna Jedrzejczyk -1900 vs. Valerie Letourneau +1200
Jedrzejczyk is the champion of the only other women’s division, the strawweights, for good reason. This chick is fierce - and I don’t mean that in an America’s Top Model sort of way. A former professional kickboxer, J-Check savagely picks apart her opponents with explosive Muay Thai. She’s truly a joy to watch, and Dana White has publicly stated that he’s a huge fan of the Polish import.
Jedrzejczyk also happens to be the only UFC champion based in Europe, and she looks poised to rule the 115-pound division for years to come. Her only real threat is Brazilian dynamo Claudia Gadelha, who can’t stay healthy long enough to get to a rematch between the two.
DECEMBER 10, UFC FIGHT NIGHT 80
Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood
Though Jedrzejczyk rules the strawweight division, relative newcomer VanZant is already its biggest star. The 21-year old Team Alpha Male fighter has the looks and personality to be a star, and it appears that her skills are on par with her marketability. However, she’ll face the toughest test of her career in Joanne Calderwood in what will be their first headlining bout.
VanZant’s relentless offense makes all her fights worthwhile, and Calderwood has shown herself to be a formidable striker.
DECEMBER 12, UFC 194
Michelle Waterson +130 vs. Tecia Torres -150
Former Invicta atomweight champion Michelle Waterson gets her big league call-up, and much like VanZant, a lot of that probably has to do with “The Karate Hottie’s” good looks. But Waterson is a very good striker with flashy kicks, making her a fan-friendly fighter. However, she’s very small for the 115-pound weight class, and Tecia Torres can derail the hype train before it even begins.
THE DREAM MATCHUP
CRISTIANE JUSTINO +245 vs. RONDA ROUSEY -315
A matchup so big, we’ve got odds for it even though it’s far from coming to fruition. Justino is considered the one woman that could seriously test Rousey, but she fights in a different weight class and has yet to step inside the octagon. The Brazilian is ridiculously strong and fights with a savagery only matched by Rousey. If the fight ever goes down, I’d expect it to look something like the Tazmanian devil cartoon - just a whirlwind for fists and feet.
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
Sign into BookMaker and bet on UFC women’s fights now! BookMaker Sportsbook guarantees the latest odds, money lines, totals, prop bets and more for you to bet on all your favorite fighters. As each fight gets closer, more odds are posted, so make sure to keep checking back for daily updates.
And with BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, you’re winnings are always close at hand. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today!
