Sherdog’s Top 10: Female Mixed Martial Artists

9. Amanda Nunes

It took some time for Nunes to get rolling, but the Brazilian has hit her stride. Following losses to Alexis Davis under the Invicta Fighting Championships banner and Cat Zingano at UFC 178, she has put together a four-fight winning streak and surfaced as the top women’s bantamweight in the sport.

Victories over Shayna Baszler, Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann and Valentina Shevchenko preceded the most significant win of Nunes’ career -- a first-round submission on Miesha Tate at UFC 200 that brought with it the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight crown. The judo brown belt and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt shredded “Cupcake” on the feet before tapping her with a rear-naked choke. Just 28 years of age, Nunes still has plenty of time to improve her craft, a frightening thought for future challengers.

Shevchenko called for a rematch after defeating former champion Holly Holm at UFC on Fox 20, though it remains to be seen who will be first to challenge Nunes for the title.

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