Women’s Strawweight
1. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (9-0)
At UFC 185, Jedrzejczyk put a beating on Carla Esparza to become the new UFC women’s strawweight champion and the company’s first Polish titleholder. The unbeaten 27-year-old battered Esparza from the onset and never relented, shutting down the American’s wrestling-based attack to set up a vicious second-round knockout. Less than eight months into her UFC career, Jedrzejczyk has picked up three victories and a title.2. Jessica Aguilar (19-4)
The World Series of Fighting strawweight champion is not the only notable woman in the division outside the UFC, but her position is the most unique. Aguilar, who has not tasted defeat in more than four years, last defended her WSOF strap in November by winning a five-round unanimous decision over tough Brazilian Kalindra Faria and has been vocal about her desire to fight actively against the best women in the world. “Jag” might be the most accomplished woman in the division, but in 2015, the UFC, not the WSOF, is the destination for the top 115-pounders in the world.3. Claudia Gadelha (12-1)
The 26-year-old Gadelha missed out on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 20, as she felt she could not make the 115-pound limit several times in a few short weeks. However, many still pegged the Brazilian dynamo as the best strawweight in the world, given the benefit of a full training camp. That idea met stern opposition at UFC on Fox 13 in Phoenix, where Gadelha was upended in a razor-thin split decision loss to unbeaten Polish prospect Joanna Jedrzejczyk. An injured “Claudinha” recently withdrew from an April 11 pairing with Aisling Daly in Poland.4. Carla Esparza (10-3)
Esparza’s reign as inaugural UFC strawweight champion lasted only three months, as “The Ultimate Fighter 20” winner was decimated by Polish puncher Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the co-main event of UFC 185. The Californian relied heavily on her wrestling base to claim the belt but could not take down Jedrzejczyk, leading to a second-round knockout. It was the first stoppage loss of Esparza’s career, and her first defeat since dropping a closely contested split decision to Jessica Aguilar in 2011.5. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (7-0)
Kowalkiewicz encountered her stiffest challenge to date when she went up against Brazilian striker Kalindra Faria at KSW 30, but the Pole emerged with her perfect record intact. Following a submission scare in round one, Kowalkiewicz won the final two frames with short, accurate punches and counterstriking to claim a split decision. The Gracie Barra Lodz product is expected to return to Invicta Fighting Championships, where she sits poised as a strong contender to champion Katja Kankaanpaa’s crown.6. Katja Kankaanpaa (10-1-1)
One of the unsung stalwarts in the 115-pound division, Kankaanpaa proved her elite status at Invicta Fighting Championships 8 in September with her thrilling fifth-round comeback against Stephanie Eggink, earning the promotion’s vacant title with a brabo choke. Given the working relationship between Invicta and the UFC, it is not hard to imagine the Finnish grinder finding her way to the Octagon in the near future. However, the “Killer Bunny” will first put her belt on the line against unbeaten Brazilian Livia Renata Souza at Invicta FC 12 in April.7. Maryna Moroz (6-0)
Moroz went from UFC debutante to possible title contender in one swift move -- namely, the armbar she applied to force highly touted Joanne Calderwood to submit on April 11 at UFC Fight Night in Poland. The 23-year-old Ukranian immediately called for a shot at champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and while such an opportunity may be a few fights away, Moroz’s major upset and flawless résumé -- which includes five wins via armbar -- certainly have people talking.8. Joanne Calderwood (9-1)
Calderwood’s perfect record got its first blemish on April 11, when the Scottish striker was dealt a major upset by way of a first-round armbar from Maryna Moroz. While her submission defense remains a liability, Calderwood’s technical muay Thai attack could still carry her a long way in the nascent 115-pound division, as it did when “Bad Mofo Jojo” reached the semifinals on “The Ultimate Fighter 20.”9. Tecia Torres (5-0)
Following her stint on “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 20, “The Tiny Tornado” showed off her trademark style in her UFC debut, cruising past castmate Angela Magana with her ceaseless pressure and combination punching. Despite her 7-0 amateur mark and 5-0 pro mark, the American Top Team fighter is just 25 years old and still has considerable untapped physical potential that should make her a real player in the 115-pound division in the future. Torres will square off against “The Ultimate Fighter 20” castmate Angela Hill at UFC 188 in June.10. Alexa Grasso (7-0)
Grasso’s fast hands and technical standup got her off to a quick start against Mizuki Inoue at Invicta 11. Despite a late surge from Inoue in the exciting Feb. 27 affair, Grasso took home a unanimous decision, moving the unbeaten Mexican’s record to 7-0. With three straight wins under the Invicta banner, Grasso figures to be closing in on a title bout.Other Contenders: Stephanie Eggink, Kalindra Faria, Mizuki Inoue, Jessica Penne, Livia Renata Souza.