Mackenzie Stiller
5-1, 26 years old, Strawweight, USA
A rare American in my top 20, Mackenzie Stiller had an excellent 2025 after ending 2024 with the first loss of her career, a TKO against Sumiko Inaba in a Bellator fight. This year, Stiller added two submission victories to her resumé in as many LFA fights, facing quality opponents. With 80% of her wins coming by submission, “Mack-Judo” represents an exciting and promising prospect for the UFC.
Stiller is about to enter her prime at 26 years old. While the UFC has sometimes been hesitant with former Bellator and PFL fighters in the past, this trend has eased somewhat in 2025, which bodes well for Stiller. Additionally, the organization is always looking for finishers, and that is exactly what Stiller brings to the cage.
Anna Melisano
6-1, 28 years old, Strawweight, USA
A late addition to this ranking, Melisano had somewhat flown under my radar until recently. The Indiana native began her 2025 campaign with two first-round stoppage wins on Fury FC undercards in Texas, albeit against opponents clearly below her level. It was her most recent fight, however, that truly put her on my radar. Just a few days ago, Anna Melisano captured the Fury FC strawweight title via doctor stoppage in the third round against Andrea Amaro.
Now holding a 6-1 record, all signs point to it being time for Melisano, at 28 years old, to take the step up to the major leagues. Her stand-up-oriented style and violent striking would be a welcome addition to the UFC’s 115-pound division. The presence of several fighters from this weight class in my top 20 further highlights how easily the UFC could replenish its depth in the division heading into 2026.
Farida Abdueva further UFC strawweight champion ☝🏻