Carla Esparza’s UFC journey has been a rollercoaster—a story of highs, lows, and resilience. Recently, the former Strawweight Champion was removed from UFC rankings due to inactivity, despite her status as a pioneer of the division. The “Cookie Monster” last fought Zhang Weili at UFC 281 but is now gearing up to return at UFC 307 against Tecia Pennington.

From humble beginnings to becoming the first-ever UFC women’s strawweight champion, Esparza’s career has been a testament to grit and determination. As she steps into the octagon again, it’s a chance to remind everyone why she was—and still is—a force to be reckoned with.

Where is Carla Esparza from? Ethnicity and nationality

Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza—a name that echoes through the halls of UFC history, a pioneer of women’s MMA who, despite the wars she has fought, remains as down-to-earth as they come. Born on October 10, 1987, in Redondo Beach, California, Esparza’s story isn’t just about punches and takedowns. With roots tracing back to Ecuador, Ireland, and Mexico, she carries a rich blend of cultures that fuel her fighting spirit. Wrestling found her early, and she embraced it fiercely, making waves as a three-time All-American at Menlo College, inspired by her college wrestling coach and two-time Olympian, Lee Allen.

Esparza—now boasting an impressive 20-7 record—has honed her craft in more than just wrestling. From Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Muay Thai, she is a master of many disciplines. And if that’s not enough, she holds a business degree with a focus on sports management—a testament to her determination both inside and outside the octagon.

As UFC 307 approaches, the fight might not be the only thing on her mind. Nearing the end of her remarkable career, Carla is taking a glance beyond the cage, turning her focus towards her personal life, poised to make the transition from fighter to family-oriented champion. And what a way to step away—on a six-fight winning streak that cemented her among the elites. As she steps towards retirement, it’s time we get a glimpse beyond the championship belts and discover the person behind the fighter.

All we know about Carla Esparza’s early life and parents

Carla Esparza isn’t just a warrior in the octagon—she’s a fighter for the ones she loves, and she wears her heart proudly on her sleeve. Whether it’s celebrating her one-year-old son Donovan, her loving husband Matthew Lomeli, or the parents who’ve supported her from day one, Esparza’s affection for her family is as fierce as her will to win. She’s spoken before about her “secret weapon”—her mother, who has always been by her side during grueling training camps. And it’s not just about support; it’s about love, as shown when Carla penned heartfelt messages for her father on his birthday back in 2015, showcasing the deep bond they share.

After tying the knot in 2022, Carla and Matthew welcomed little Donovan in 2023, a new chapter that seemed to light up her social media with joy. Family is everything, – she seems to say with every post—a reminder that even the toughest fighters have a tender side.

On the professional front, Carla is ready to write the final page of an incredible MMA legacy. At UFC 307, she will step into the octagon one last time, just days before her 37th birthday—a retirement bout that will be both a celebration of her illustrious career and a farewell to the cage where she made history. The Cookie Monster is ready to go out with a bang, and we’re all eager to see if she can add one last victorious chapter to her story. Are you ready to witness the final act of this iconic fighter?