Volatility at Women’s Flyweight: The Powder Keg Division

With the champ looking as beatable as ever, now’s the time to strike for these contenders.  With undefeated fighters like Casey O’Neil, to tried veterans like Jenifer Maia, the division is approaching it’s most volatile state. So who can take advantage, and stake their claim at the top?

When it Comes to Volatility Winning Matters Most 

In this age of the UFC, fighters are looking for the easiest path to the top. One thing that separates this weight division from some others, would be top five contenders willing to fight lower ranked ones. A perfect example would be Katlyn Chookagian taking on various fighters below her, even an unranked Amanda Ribas on short notice, in that process. While Ribas would lose that fight, had she won that would have put her in the title picture with one fight in the division. 

While Chookagian is viewed as a gatekeeper, fighters like her help keep the UFC competitive, and give younger fighters a shot at the top. In a division where the rankings are unpredictable, winning is what’s most important. In other divisions like 170 pounds, a fighter can win nine fights in a row without a title shot, at flyweight one big win can get them in the top five. 

Volatility at Flyweight: Who Can Take Advantage? 

MMA fans have been silently waiting for someone to grab the brass ring present in women’s MMA. There is a great opportunity for someone to capture the interest of MMA fans, similar to the way a character like Ronda Rousey was able to.

There are three fighters that are the best bet to make that run to a title in the new year, those being Erin Blanchfield, the previously mentioned O’Neil and Maycee Barber. Barber is the only fighter among this list with a fight coming up, but it’s fair to say they are a cut above the competition, with all three fighters being on three-fight win streaks or greater. 

The Powder Keg Division: What to Expect 

While those three fighters were highlighted, there are a lot of names at flyweight that could make a name for themselves. Tracy Cortez is a popular fighter who has a win over Blanchfield, and Ribas is going to get another chance at a top ten opponent. It’s fair to say, expect the unexpected with this division, as contenders continue to rise.

Women’s flyweight has the potential to become a staple in MMA, it comes down to if a fighter has the guts to grab the brass ring, and take a risk after a big win. 2023 Could be a big year for this division.

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