The popularity of the UFC's Women's Bantamweight division has grown immensley since it was added to the card back in 2013, and the driving force behind it all is current champion Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey. Rousey has taken the sport to new levels and has undeniably influenced other women to get in the ring and chase their dream of becoming the next UFC women's champion. When the UFC first added the Bantamweight division in 2013 there were 11 women under contract. Just one year later, the weight class has more then doubled with 27 current fighters competing in the division, so it's clear viewership isn't the only thing on the rise.
To become a top tier UFC fighter, it takes more skills in the ring. The road to becoming a champion starts in the gym, and the level of intensity these women train at is enough to make you question your daily routine. In case you need some extra motivation for your next time at the gym, Here's 7 UFC Women Whose Training Regimes Put Men to Shame.
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Jessica Eye
UFC Record: 10-2-0 (1NC)
Jessica "Evil" Eye is currently the #6 ranked fighter in the UFC Women's Bantamweight division, and has ramped up her training regime following a postitive drug test for marijuana in February of this year. Looking to get back to top form, Eye's been putting in work around the gym, and going ham on the resistance training to build up strength and endurance. Peep the vid.
Jessica Andrade
UFC Record: 11-3-0
Andrade is currently ranked #9 in the bantamweight division, but her heavy weight training makes her one a legitimate contender every time she steps into the ring. With her next fight scheduled for September 13, Andrade is cracking down in the gym and stepping up her training to make her way towards the top of the Bantamweight division. Just check the pic...would you mess with her?
Raquel Pennington
UFC Record: 4-5-0
Pennington is coming off a couple tough fights in her last few UFC appearances, with most recent resulting in a loss to Jessica Andrade. The tough losses haven't shaken her dedication in the gym, as Raquel's been flexing her muscles on the bench press and resistance training to bring her conditioning and strength to the next level and move back towards the top of the Bantamweight division.
Marina Shafir
UFC Record: 1-1
Although Shafir is just 1-1 so far in the UFC, she's got the golden ticket when it comes to endorsements in the sport, as she's been the long time training partner of champion Ronda Rousey. While Shafir is still trying to make a name for herself in the sport inside the ring, her work ethic towards her strength and conditioning in the gym, paired with the greatest training partner in the world makes her a top choice to jump towards the top of the weight class. Just check her Instagram, and it'll prove our point.
Miesha Tate
UFC Record: 14-5-0
Don't let her beauty deceive you, as Miesha Tate is a straight up monster in the ring and the gym. Everything from high interval training, to circuits, Tate puts in the work outside the ring that makes her a force when ever she enters the octagon. Just don't ask her questions about Ronda Rousey 'cuz she may snap.
Aleksandra Albu
UFC Record: 5-0-0
Albu is a newcomer to the UFC but her impact is already being felt. Her 5-0 record has made her a top contender to take on Rousey for the belt, and she's just 24 years old. Albu incorporates the whole gym into her workouts to get the total body conditioning top tier fighters need to move on the next level. Everything from squats to kettle balls, Albu's training makes her an up and coming force to be reckoned with.
Ronda Rousey
UFC Record: 10-0-0
The GOAT of the UFC's Women's Bantamweight division, Ronda Rousey's dominance in the octagon starts outside it. Everything from heavy rope workouts to yoga, Rousey uses everything in the gym to bring her strength and conditioning to the next level. If you don't believe us already, just check out videos of the her last fight, which lasted all of 16 seconds.
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