20 Female Prospects the UFC should sign in 2026

To wrap up our series on prospects the UFC should sign in 2026, I decided to combine the organization’s three women’s divisions to present a top 20 ranking regardless of weight classes. As a result, strawweights receive a significant amount of attention in this list because it’s probably the most stacked WMMA division now outside the UFC.

 

With this series in the books, check out who we had in the other weightclasses: Heavyweight, Light-heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Flyweight.

 

Aieza Bertolso

7-0, 24 years old, Strawweight, Brazil

 

An obvious choice for the top spot, with Brazilian standout Aieza Bertolso claiming first place in this ranking. While she was not the most active in 2025, she made the most of her two appearances inside the LFA cage and left a strong impression. Following a submission win at LFA 209, Bertolso pulled off a major achievement by capturing the LFA 115-pound title against a dangerous opponent in Lany Silva. She was crowned champion after a dominant and eye-catching performance from start to finish.

 

Bertolso has found success everywhere she has competed. Most impressive is her 21-fight winning streak, which includes her amateur career, where she posted a 16-1 record. She earned multiple IMMAF gold medals, notably being crowned World Champion twice. In my view, Aieza is currently the best female talent outside the UFC and the one with the highest upside. I fully expect the UFC to make the right call in 2026 by adding her to the roster.

 

Natalia Alves

8-0, 25 years old, Strawweight, Brazil

 

One of the many Brazilian representatives in this ranking, Natalia Alves, enjoyed a particularly impressive 2025. Despite competing only twice during the year, she added two solid names to her résumé, earning a decision win over Nawira Ferreira followed by a standout submission victory against fellow prospect Aleksandra Savicheva in early September.

 

In my view, Alves is one of the most promising female prospects competing outside the major organizations. She is dangerous in every aspect of the MMA game. Additionally, she trains at the well-known Fighting Nerds gym in São Paulo, which, despite losing some of its shine in 2025, remains one of the top training camps in Brazil.