After Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk put on an instant classic at UFC 248, we look back at three other must-see women’s MMA fights

We all witnessed something special in the UFC 248 co-main event, as Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk left it all inside the Octagon. Cuts, welts, a massive hematoma and more – this fight had everything. While Zhang ended up getting the victory on the judge’s scorecards, the real winners of the fight from Saturday night were the fans. The early front runner for 2020’s Fight of the Year, Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk was an all-time classic bout. If you liked this fight and are looking for other memorable women’s MMA fights, here are three more you’ll enjoy.

Jessica Eye vs. Leslie Smith – UFC 180

Another “stand and bang” type affair, there was a lot to unpack in less than two full rounds of cage time. Eye and Smith traded strikes back and forth for the entire fight. Much like Zhang and Jedrzejczyk, these two mixed things up tremendously, with shots to the head, body and legs coming fast and furious during the bout. One particular “explosive” moment near the end of the first round has landed these two ladies on many MMA highlight reels over the years. It was a solid fight and if you enjoyed Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk, you are going to want to check this one out too.

Angela Lee vs Mei Yamaguchi 1 – ONE Championship 42

In what many called 2016’s Fight of the Year Angela Lee and Mei Yamaguchi seemingly put ONE Championship on the map with this fight. Unlike Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk, this fight was largely contested on the mat. A grappling heavy affair, this fight proved that women are every bit as skilled as men once the fight goes to the ground. For a full 25 minutes, these two exchanged takedowns, submission attempts, submission escapes and showed the ultimate display of heart. Watch the full bout right here.

Cris “Cyborg” Justino vs. Gina Carano – Strikeforce

Much like Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar did for The Ultimate Fighter, this fight between Cris “Cyborg” Justino and Gina Carano single-handedly put women’s MMA on the map. Back before Carano was the famous movie star she is today, she was seen as the top star in women’s MMA. Carano (then 7-0) was set to take on Justino (then 7-1) in the first-ever major MMA bout headlined by two women. This bout had high expectations to live up to and it surpassed every single one of them. Although it happened more than a decade ago, this fight has withstood the test of time. Furious pressure, a ridiculous pace and much more, it was truly an all-time great.