To all women across the globe – Happy International Women’s Day! As Western Canada’s first all-women MMA league, we couldn’t be more proud to represent and celebrate this day. We honour those who have fought and marched for our rights and freedom and join those who continue to stand up for women’s equality around the world.
At PAWFC, we celebrate women’s power and strength every day – whether you’re a fighter in the ring, a mother, a daughter, a sister, or an aunt. In honour of International Women’s Day, we at PAWFC want to honour some of the top women MMA fighters who have paved the way and inspired us to put women at the forefront of MMA.
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day began to emerge in the early 20th century with labour movements happening across North America and Europe. Women and men rallied for women’s right to equal participation in society, including voting, equal pay, and the right to higher education. The first International Women’s Day took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day.
Top Fighters That Paved the Way for Women’s MMA
1. CRIS CYBORG
Former UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion, Former StrikeForce Champion, Invicta FC, current Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion
Featherweight World Champion, Bellator MMA Women’s Featherweight Champion
Cristiane Venâncio, aka Cris Cyborg, has been a dominant force in the MMA world for over a decade. Don’t let the friendly smile fool you – she is a beast in the ring with brutal strikes and quick defences, making her one of MMA’s most prominent fighters. Cris was born in Curitiba, Brazil and entered the world of fighting after taking her first Muay Thai class.
Fun fact: Cris Cyborg will be one of our guest featured guests at our upcoming event; PAWFCIII, on Mar.9th!
2. AMANDA NUNES
Retired UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion, Most Wins in UFC History Amongst Women.
Amanda Nunes is the top fighter in women’s MMA history, defeating Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Valentina Shevchenko, and Miesha Tate. She was born in a small town in Brazil called Pojuca and got involved in fighting when her mother signed her up for capoeira classes at 5 years old.
3. RONDA ROUSEY
First Female UFC Champion, UFC Hall of Fame.
Bantamweight Championship, Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
Ronda is the first female UFC champion, changing the game and paving the way for some of the top female fighters we know today. Her ruthless fighting style, charisma, and unwavering dedication have made her a pop culture sensation and MMA Hall of Famer today!
Moreover, her now-infamous armbar submission has led to many impressive and epic wins within seconds of some of her fights.
4. JOANNA JĘDRZEJCZYK
Most Wins in UFC Women’s Strawweight History, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion.
Joanna held an undefeated record of 14-0-0 – for a while; no fighter stood a chance against her precision and calculated strikes. Joanna is a Polish MMA fighter with a Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background. She may be soft-spoken in person, but her fights are known to be bloody and brutal. And even though she’s suffered some losses after an impressive streak, Joanna is one of the world’s top female MMA fighters.
5. VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO
Most Wins in UFC Women’s Flyweight History, UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship.
Valentina hails from Frunze, Kirghizia, USSR and is known for her precise counter-striking and skillful grappling. With countless wins in MMA, kickboxing, judo, boxing, taekwondo, and Muay Thai, Valentina is one of the most fundamentally gifted and well-rounded fighters in the game. She has rightfully earned one of the top spots in women’s MMA, bringing women to the forefront in mixed martial arts.
Celebrate International Women’s Day At PAWFCIII
Why not join and witness the future of Women’s MMA live in action this International Women’s Day?
Join us at Pallas Athena Women’s Fighting Championship on March 9, 2024, in Calgary for an electrifying night of women’s MMA at the Nutrien Western Events Centre. Witness an adrenaline-pumping event featuring unforgettable battles between world-class athletes!
Tickets are available for purchase at Showpass. The event will also be available to watch at Millions.co on pay-per-view. Celebrate International Women’s Day by supporting these incredible female athletes and experience the thrill of live MMA action!