After more than a decade of making history in the octagon, Carla Esparza, one of the most decorated female fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), has officially called it a career. A fierce competitor with unmatched wrestling skills, relentless tenacity, and a never-quit attitude, Esparza’s legacy is cemented in the UFC’s strawweight division. Her journey was a rollercoaster of thrilling victories, tough losses, and career-defining moments that made her not just a champion, but a true pioneer of women’s MMA.
Career Highlights
Esparza burst onto the MMA scene in 2010, quickly making a name for herself with her dominant wrestling style.
After a successful stint in Bellator and Invicta, she joined the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show aimed at crowning the first UFC strawweight champion.
Esparza’s outstanding performances throughout the tournament led her to a showdown with Rose Namajunas in the final, where she showcased her wrestling prowess by securing a win via rear-naked choke.
In December 2014, Esparza made history as the first-ever UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the division.
Despite losing the title in her first defense against Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Esparza remained a top contender throughout her career.
She went on to notch notable victories over elite fighters such as Cynthia Calvillo, Michelle Waterson, and Marina Rodriguez.
The defining moment of her resurgence came in May of 2022, when she fought Namajunas for a second time at UFC 274.
In a hard-fought, albeit slow-paced battle, Esparza recaptured the strawweight title, becoming the first woman to reclaim the belt in the division.
Final Fights and Retirement Decision
The first of Esparza’s final two fights happened in November of 2022 when she defended her title against Zhang Weili at UFC 281.
At the time, Zhang was considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Despite her best efforts, Esparza was outmatched by Zhang’s well-rounded skills and lost the fight via submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round.
The defeat marked the end of her second reign as strawweight champion. and would ultimately be her final appearance inside the octagon.
In August 2024, the two-time champion confirmed via her Instagram both her upcoming fight against Tecia Pennington at UFC 307 and her ‘retirement from MMA’.
She cited a desire to focus on her family and her evolving personal goals as key reasons behind her decision.
This announcement came after Esparza had been away from competition for some time, which also coincided with her pregnancy.
The timing felt right for her to transition into a new phase of her life, having already accomplished so much in the sport.
Post-Retirement Plans
Esparza’s post-retirement life is expected to center around her personal and family life, particularly her new role as a mother.
She has expressed excitement about starting a family, which played a significant role in her decision to retire.
Beyond family, Esparza has hinted at staying connected to the MMA world in some capacity, whether through coaching, commentating, or mentoring up-and-coming fighters.
Her wealth of experience and knowledge could serve as a valuable resource for the next generation of athletes.
Personal Life
Throughout her career, Esparza has been known not just for her fighting skills, but for her humility, professionalism, and hard-working attitude.
Outside of the cage, she is passionate about food and travel, often sharing her culinary adventures on social media.
Esparza married her long-time partner in May 2022, just days after regaining the UFC strawweight title, marking one of the most significant periods in her life.
Legacy
Carla Esparza’s legacy in MMA is one of perseverance, determination, and historical significance.
As the UFC’s first-ever strawweight champion and the first woman to regain the title in the division, she will be remembered as a pioneer who helped shape women’s MMA.
Her wrestling prowess, combined with her ability to bounce back from adversity, earned her the nickname “The Cookie Monster,” a nod to her ferocity in the cage.
Esparza’s longevity in the sport and ability to compete at the highest level for so many years is a testament to her work ethic and love for the game.
While her final fight did not end in victory, her career as a whole was filled with monumental achievements that have etched her name in MMA history.
Carla Esparza’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in MMA. Her decision to step away from the sport at this point reflects both her personal and professional growth, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire fighters for generations to come.
