Learn more about Carla Esparza's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Team Pettis on TUF 20
- Pro since 2010
- Has won 14 of her last 18 and five in a row
- Four wins by KO, four by submission (4 RNC)
- Three first round finishes
- Owns victories over Nina Ansaroff, Felice Herrig, and Bec Rawlings
UFC History
UFC Fight Night (5/22/21) Esparza stopped Yan Xiaonan via strikes at 2:58 of the second round
UFC on ESPN (7/26/20) Esparza won a three round split decision over Marina Rodriguez
UFC 249 (5/9/20) Esparza won a three round split decision over Michelle Waterson
UFC Fight Night (9/21/19) Esparza won a three round majority decision over Alexa Grasso
UFC Fight Night (4/27/19) Esparza won a three round unanimous decision over Virna Jandiroba
UFC 228 (9/8/18) Esparza was stopped by Tatiana Suarez via strikes at 4:33 of the third round
UFC 225 (6/9/18) Esparza lost a three round split decision to Claudia Gadelha
UFC 219 (12/30/17) Esparza won a three round unanimous decision over Cynthia Calvillo
UFC Fight Night (6/25/17) Esparza won a three round unanimous decision over Maryna Moroz
UFC Fight Night (2/19/17) Esparza lost a three round split decision to Randa Markos
UFC 197 (4/23/16) Esparza won a three round unanimous decision over Juliana Lima
UFC 185 (3/14/15) Esparza was stopped by Joanna Jedrzejczyk via strikes at 4:17 of the second round, losing her UFC women’s strawweight title
TUF 20 Finale (12/12/14) Esparza submitted Rose Namajunas via rear naked choke at 1:26 of the third round to win the UFC women’s strawweight title
The Ultimate Fighter, Season 20
On episode 12 (semifinals), Esparza won a three round unanimous decision over Jessica Penne
On episode 11 (quarterfinals), Esparza won a two round decision over Tecia Torres
On episode four, Esparza submitted Angela Hill via rear naked choke at 3:41 of the first round
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? In between wrestling seasons I started training jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai which I loved, then when I found out about MMA. It just made sense for me.
What ranks and titles have you held? First Invicta FC strawweight champ, former UFC women’s strawweight champion, TUF 20 winner
Do you have any heroes? My college wrestling coach and 2x Olympian Lee Allen (RIP).
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting for the UFC is a dream come true. I never thought it would be a possibility for women at all.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college and wrestled for four years, earning a degree in business with a concentration in sports management.
What was your job before you started fighting? I finished my college degree and went straight to fighting and personal training.
Favorite grappling technique: RNC
Favorite Striking technique: Flying elbow
