Best UFC Women’s Flyweights of All Time: Top 9 125-Pound Greats Ranked

The UFC women’s flyweight division (125 lbs) has had a pretty clear storyline: early chaos, then a long stretch of “solve Valentina,” then a rivalry that reshaped the title picture.

This ranking balances championships and defenses with strength of schedule, peak dominance, and how much a fighter changed the division’s style.

1) Valentina Shevchenko

The flyweight GOAT case starts and ends here. Shevchenko built an era as champion, then reclaimed the belt by beating Grasso in their trilogy fight at UFC 306. She backed it up with another title defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 and later turned away a champ-vs-champ challenge from Zhang Weili. No one has matched her combination of longevity, adaptability, and “there are levels to this” title-fight consistency.

2) Alexa Grasso

Grasso owns one of the biggest moments in division history: submitting Shevchenko to win the title at UFC 285. She proved it wasn’t a fluke by retaining the belt in their rematch (a draw) before ultimately dropping it in the third meeting. Beyond results, Grasso changed what contenders believed was possible at 125—smart pressure, sharp boxing, and opportunistic grappling against a seemingly unbeatable champ.

3) Manon Fiorot

Even without a title, Fiorot has been the division’s most consistent “next champ” threat for years, and she finally got her shot against Shevchenko at UFC 315. Her case is built on elite wins, layered striking, and the kind of physicality that makes even technical fighters uncomfortable. She’s the clearest example of how deep and modern flyweight has become.

4) Erin Blanchfield

Blanchfield is the prototype of the new-era flyweight: relentless grappling, improved striking, and zero fear of big names. Her submission win over Jéssica Andrade announced her as a real title factor. She’s also proven she can win the “hard way,” like going three rounds to beat Taila Santos. If she gets a belt run, she has the style to hold it for a while.

5) Taila Santos

Santos came closer than almost anyone to ending Shevchenko’s first reign, pushing her to a split decision in a fight many viewed as razor-thin. That performance alone earns long-term respect in a division where title chances are limited. At her best, Santos blends speed, real finishing threat, and strong grappling pressure.

6) Jéssica Andrade

Andrade’s flyweight chapter is pure violence: instant pace, heavy shots, and a willingness to fight anyone. She challenged Shevchenko and got stopped at UFC 261, but the fact she was a legit threat at multiple weights matters when ranking divisional greatness. She’s also a measuring stick—if you can handle Andrade’s pressure, you’re top-tier.

7) Katlyn Chookagian (Katlyn Cerminara)

Chookagian may not have a belt, but she’s one of the division’s defining “elite level” fixtures—constant contender, difficult style, and a résumé built on beating everyone outside the very top. She’s also credited with the most decision wins in UFC women’s flyweight history, which speaks to both longevity and consistency.

8) Natália Silva

Silva has surged into the title picture with a style that’s miserable to solve: movement, volume, and clean counter striking. Her shutout win over former champ Grasso at UFC 315 was the kind of statement that fast-tracks careers. If she keeps winning at this rate, she won’t stay “ranked eighth” on lists like this for long.

9) Jennifer Maia

Maia made it to the mountaintop—challenging Shevchenko for the title—and stayed relevant in a division that rarely gives repeat chances. She’s tough, physical, and experienced, and her presence in the title mix during Shevchenko’s peak era earns her a spot in the top nine.

Just missed: Nicco Montaño (the inaugural champion, but stripped before she could defend) and Lauren Murphy (a longtime contender and title challenger who helped define the division’s “every fight is hard” middle tier).