The 145lb featherweight division is set to be the breakout women’s division this year, with news that the top two organisations in the world – UFC and Bellator are going to introduce a belt for the division. Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie will fight for the inaugural UFC featherweight championship at UFC 208 on February 11th 2017.

Cris Cyborg is the number one 145lb featherweight in the world and has been ever since she defeated Gina Carano back in August 2009. She hasn’t lost in over a decade and her fights are always extremely devastating to watch. However, her future in this position is currently uncertain with USADA currently investigating her for a doping violation. If USADA decides to suspend Cyborg it could be devastating to her career in a year when the 145lb women are set to receive very big opportunities.

Right behind her are fellow 145lb veterans (#2) Marloes Coenen and (#3) Julia Budd. Both ladies have a big opportunity when they main event Bellator 174 in a bid to become the inaugural Bellator featherweight champion.

Another pair of ladies who have a big upcoming opportunity are (#4) Charmaine Tweet and (#5) Megan Anderson. They face off in the main event of Invicta FC 21 to crown the interim featherweight champion this Saturday. The winner could place themselves in line to challenge the winner of Holm VS de Randamie for the UFC 145lb belt.

(#8) Gabrielle Holloway (5-4-0) is set to face Amanda Bell on February 4th. She is looking to rebound after a pair of close decision losses to (#6) Latoya Walker and (#7) Arlene Blencowe. A win for Holloway will cement her place in the top ten, it’s no secret she wants to avenge her loss to Latoya Walker. A win for Bell will send her straight into the rankings, in a year when the division is going to be highlighted more than ever.

Former Cyborg foes Daria Ibragimova and Lina Lansberg sit at #9 and #10, they have not fought since their devastating losses to the dominant one. Veteran and former TUF competitor Peggy Morgan is at fourteen.

Meanwhile, new stars are beginning to emerge in this division. (#11) Helena Kolesnyk (4-0-0, 1 NC) has looked incredible since making her pro debut. Ireland’s Sinead Kavanagh (4-0-0) is currently at thirteen in the rankings, she believes she has what it takes to become the female star of 145lbs, just like fellow Irish fighter Conor McGregor was before vacating the belt. Submission specialist Marina Mokhnatkina begins her rise, currently at fifteen.

(Click HERE to view the top fifteen 145lb featherweight rankings).

Who do you think will be the star of the 145lb featherweight division over the next year? Let us know in the comments below.

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