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SHENZHEN, CHINA – AUGUST 31: Zhang Weili of China celebrates after her victory over Jessica Andrade in their UFC strawweight championship bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre on August 31, 2019 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Zhe Ji/Getty Images)
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – AUGUST 31: Zhang Weili of China celebrates after her victory over Jessica Andrade in their UFC strawweight championship bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre on August 31, 2019 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Zhe Ji/Getty Images)
2020 has been a year of frenzy for all sports across the world. But even amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC could successfully put on shows on a frequent and regular basis. The fans were thrilled by the company’s effort.
There have been some breakout stars the year has seen. Those outstanding performers have really exceeded all expectations. In this list, we take a look at the top 5 female UFC fighters of 2020.
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1. Weili Zhang
UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang has fought once in the year 2020. She defended her title successfully against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. The title fight between the two ladies was an all-time classic and a ‘Fight Of The Year’ contender. Many rightfully believe it to be the best fight in women’s MMA history. So, Chinese champion Weili Zhang makes it to the list without any question.
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – AUGUST 31: Zhang Weili of China celebrates after her knockout victory over Jessica Andrade of Brazil in their UFC strawweight championship bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre on August 31, 2019, in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
2. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Legendary Polish star Joanna Jedrzejczyk only fought once in 2020, that was her failed bid at the strawweight title against Weili Zhang. But the effort she put into that contest and the entertainment and adrenaline rush fans got just by watching it was insane. That kind of performance deserves validity. And the fight could have gone either way. The split decision supports that view. So, Joanna Jedrzejczyk had to be on the list.
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3. Amanda Ribas
Brazilian Amanda Ribas had a successful 2020, winning on both of her outings. In March, she won a decision against Randa Markos to start off her campaign. Then in May, at UFC 251, Ribas submitted Paige VanZant in a dominating fashion in the very first round. That also resulted in VanZant’s release from the promotion. Nevertheless, Amanda Ribas had to make it to the top 5 list of women fighters in 2020.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: Amanda Ribas of Brazil celebrates after her victory over Paige VanZant in their flyweight fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020, on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
4. Holly Holm
“The Preacher’s Daughter” Holly Holm had a bounce-back year in 2020. The former bantamweight champion had 2 decision wins this term, after losing against Amanda Nunes in 2019. Holm defeated Raquel Pennington and Irene Aldana in impressive showings and has once again floated her name in title conversations.
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5. Valentina Shevchenko
‘Bullet’ Valentina Shevchenko once again proved that she is one of the best ever in women’s MMA history in 2020. She defended her flyweight title twice during the year. The Kyrgyzstan born fighter finished Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247. Then she went on to win a hard-fought decision against Jennifer Maia at UFC 255. Shevchenko just had to make the list for her efforts in 2020.
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CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 08: Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan celebrates her KO victory over Jessica Eye in their women’s flyweight championship bout during the UFC 238 event at the United Center on June 8, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Who makes your list of top 5 women’s fighters of 2020? Let us know.
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