The 155lb lightweight division was non-existent a few years ago, but over the past twelve months it is beginning to grow rapidly. As of right now, major organisations with marketing tools such as the UFC and Bellator only have women’s divisions from between 105lbs to 145lbs. This has led to fighters attempting to cut dangerous and unrealistic amounts of weight, as well as others being left in the sidelines and giving up, due to lack of fights and opportunities.

Divisions over 155 pounds have recently begun to grow, with fighters and smaller organisations taking a stand in an attempt to show the world why women in higher weight classes deserve recognition and opportunities too.

Out of all the newly emerging upper divisions, the 155lb lightweight division is the fastest growing. With several of the divisions fighters already making waves around the MMA world.

Bobbi-Jo Dalziel (3-0-0 Pro) sits firmly at number one after an impressive victory over “The #1 Headbusta” (#3) Jozette Cotton (6-1-0). Cotton was the number one of the division for a long time with victories over the likes of Jessica Halverson, Holly Lawson, number one welterweight Killastina Makihele and many more. Dalziel dominated the fight, immediately making a statement to the MMA world. She holds previous victories over Tamikka Brents and (#5) Andria Wawro. Her future in this division remains uncertain however, as she previously said she is going to see if she can cut to 145 pounds in order to fight for Invicta FC. Cotton meanwhile falls to three.

Sarah Patterson (4-2-0) is just behind at #2. She hasn’t been defeated since 2009 and holds impressive victories over the likes of number one welterweight Killastina Makihele, number three heavyweight Erica Grover, as well as Kate Bloomfield. Patterson is always looking for a finish, none of her fights have ever gone the distance. She’s known for her devastating ground work. Patterson will be fighting for the inaugural GFS World Lightweight Championship on March 3rd when she faces the returning Tamikka Brents. Brents makes her return to the cage after a pair of brutal TKO losses back in 2014.

At number four is one of the most popular competitors in the division, Brittney Elkin. Over the past few years she has been enjoying huge success in submission grappling tournaments. However she is still competing in mixed martial arts, she defeated Kola Shippentower in the very first round via TKO back in June 2016.

Invicta FC star Felicia Spencer is currently at number six. She finished her amateur career with an impressive 5-1-0 record and turned pro in 2015 with a win over (#10) Rach Wiley at Invicta FC 14. She plans to make her return to the cage this year, and previously told us she believes she can defeat every woman ranked above her.

She’s followed by (#7) Genah Fabian and (#8) Reina Miura. Australia’s Fabian made her pro debut back in September 2015, defeating Joanne Obolevics in the second round via TKO. Fabian is possibly the most dangerous stand-up striker in the division. She has trained with the best in Thailand and has previously enjoyed huge success in the world of Muay-Thai. Meanwhile, Miura from Japan made her pro debut two months ago back in November when she defeated Eriko Iwamoto via unanimous decision.

The 155lb lightweight division is still a developing one, and amateurs may be ranked. Although by default a fighter who has a victory as a pro will always be ranked higher. Several potential threats to the top of the 155lb division have begun to emerge in the amateur scene. (#9) Melina Oberlin (8-2-0 Am) is head of the pack, she’s a known finisher with several submission and knockout victories to her record. (#11) Tara White (1-0-0 Am) immediately made an impact in her debut fight when she defeated Germany’s (#12) Anita Hoehenleiter (6-1-0 Am).

Elsewhere, at thirteen is Angel Keihl (3-3-0 Am). After beginning her career on a 0-3 record, “DaKilla” has fast turned it around and is now on a three fight win streak. She plans to fight again in April, and shortly afterwards would like to turn pro. She has her eye on a rematch with Felicia Spencer.

Nora Hamilton (4-2-0 Am) is at fourteen. The 29 year old has finished three of her four career victories inside the first round. Meanwhile, rising contender Ireland’s (#15) Aoife Murphy (2-1-0 Am) completes the top fifteen. Just like fellow lightwight contender Conor McGregor, Murphy uses her power and technique to her advantage, as shown in her career victories which have ended via technical knockouts. Her sole loss comes to fellow Irish standout, Sinead Kavanagh, a woman who is the number thirteen ranked featherweight in the world and is one of the fighters who is a favourite to be part of UFC’s new featherweight division.

The 155lb division is fast becoming an exciting one. Not all fighters can comfortably make 145lbs or below, which makes fighting at lightweight perfect for them. Ronda Rousey was the woman to bring attention to the 135lb division, Cris Cyborg did the same with 145lb’s. It’s only a matter of time before 155 finds that star.

Click HERE to view the top fifteen 155lb lightweight rankings.

Who do you think will become the standout lightweight over the next twelve months? With Bobbi-Jo Dalziel potentially moving down to featherweight (if she can make the weight), will Sarah Patterson continue her recent dominance and move to the top? Or will one of the other contenders make their rise to the position? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

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