The UFC has many divisions, each with its own set of fighters and champions. However, one division that often gets overlooked is the Women's Flyweight division. While this division has not yet had the same level of exposure and excitement as some of the more popular men's divisions, it is arguably one of the most underrated divisions in the UFC.
When you ask fans about underrated divisions, you may hear Flyweight, Light Heavyweight or maybe even Bantamweight (despite its monumental rise in popularity recently.) But you would hardly ever hear Women’s Flyweight. Now, I understand, divisions with a dominant champion for as long as Valentina Shevchenko struggle to gain popularity. And while this was true for years, things may be changing at the top of the division.
Let's go back to UFC 275, Shevchenko was set to take on Taila Santos in the co-main event. A fight which many thought Santos won, however, the decision went to the champ. Santos will be back, but she’s not the only threat to Shevchenko’s crown.
Number 2 contender Manon Fiorot recently beat Katlyn Chookagian and is looking for another challenge before taking on Shevchenko. Could that challenge come in the form of Santos? Fiorot is my personal favourite Women’s fighter and I’d love to see her get that number 1 contender’s bout.
What about Erin Blanchfield? Coming off a hugely dominant performance over Jessica Andrade, she’s definitely in the running and many argue next in line for a title shot.
Alexa Grasso sitting in position 5 is actually next up for the title shot as she prepares to face Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285 next month. If she’s unable to get the job done, one of the other contenders will arguably have a better shot.
So what about those outside the top 5? Well, Jennifer Maia takes on undefeated Scottish/Australian flyweight Casey O'Neill at UFC 286. If O’Neill gets the job done there, she could fly up the rankings and be in line for a title shot sometime in 2024.
Maycee Barber had aspirations of becoming the youngest-ever UFC champion, however, things have taken a hit after losing to Jessica Eye in her last bout. She looks to get her title charge back on track with a fight against Andrea Lee towards the end of March.
Oh, and don’t forget about the return of Tatiana Suarez who’s competing at flyweight now.
This is why I think Women’s Flyweight is one of the more underrated divisions in the UFC. Santos, Fiorot, Blanchfield, Grasso, O’Neill and Barber are all contenders and we’re more than likely going to see them face off in the near future.
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