Ashley Yoder is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Strawweight division. Known by her nickname “Spider Monkey,” she has been a professional fighter since 2008 and is most recognized for her time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
You can follow Ashley Yoder’s biography, personal details, early life, amateur career, professional career, relationship status, net worth, endorsements, fight records, achievements, and more here.
Ashley Yoder’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Ashley Elizabeth Yoder |
| Nickname | Spider Monkey |
| Birth Date | October 20, 1987 |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| College | Indiana University |
| Turned Professional | 2008 |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @spidermonkeyyoda |
Ashley Yoder was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 20, 1987. She grew up in a family where sports played a significant role. Her parents divorced when she was 3, and she was raised by her mother alongside her brother.
During her high school years at Mitchell High School in Indiana, Yoder was actively involved in cheerleading, dance, and track and field.
Early Life
Ashley Yoder pursued higher education at Indiana University, where she earned two Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and African American Diaspora Studies.
Her journey into mixed martial arts began after a personal tragedy when she lost her brother in a car accident on her 18th birthday. This event, along with the loss of a cousin two years later, motivated her to start training in MMA.
Amateur Career
Ashley Yoder’s first amateur fight took place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where she faced an opponent significantly more experienced than herself. Despite losing this debut fight by unanimous decision, the intense experience sparked a passion for MMA.
In 2012, Yoder decided to pursue MMA more seriously as a career. On the advice of college friend and UFC fighter Dave Herman, she moved to Temecula, California, to train at Dan Henderson’s Team Quest gym.
Yoder fought in various regional promotions such as BAMMA USA, Invicta FC, and Gladiator Challenge. She amassed a professional record of 5-1 before catching the attention of the UFC.
Professional Career
Ashley Yoder made her UFC debut on December 9, 2016, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov against Justine Kish. Despite losing her debut fight via unanimous decision, she continued to compete against several notable fighters in the Strawweight division.
Yoder’s UFC career includes fights against Angela Hill, Mackenzie Dern, and Miranda Granger. Her victory over Miranda Granger was one of her standout performances, winning by unanimous decision in November 2020.
After her tenure with the UFC ended in October 2023, Yoder made a successful return to fighting outside the organization. She competed at LFA 190 against fellow UFC veteran Gloria de Paula on August 23, 2024, securing a win via unanimous decision.
In addition to her MMA career, Ashley Yoder has participated in professional grappling events. She represented Team Patriot Empowerment at Subversiv 10 in a Combat Jiu-Jitsu team tournament but lost her match by submission.
Relationship Status
Ashley Yoder’s relationship status is currently reported as single. There are no records of her being in a relationship or having a husband.
Ashley Yoder’s Net Worth Details
Ashley Yoder’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. Her earnings come from her fight purses, endorsements, and other sources.
Endorsements
Ashley Yoder has been associated with endorsements, notably with Compex, a company that specializes in muscle stimulators. She uses Compex devices for recovery after workouts and incorporates them into her resistance training.
Fight Records
| Career Statistic | Details |
| Total Fights | 18 |
| Wins | 9 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Wins by Submission | 4 |
| Wins by Decision | 5 |
| Losses by Decision | 9 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 0 |
| Losses by KO/TKO | 0 |
Achievements
- Competed in The Ultimate Fighter reality show
- Fought in Invicta Fighting Championships
- Multiple wins by submission using armbars
FAQs
1. Who is Ashley Yoder?
Ashley Yoder is an American mixed martial artist born on October 20, 1987, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She competes in the Strawweight division and has been a professional fighter since 2014. She is nicknamed “Spider Monkey” due to her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style and holds a black belt in the discipline.
2. What is Ashley Yoder’s MMA record?
Ashley Yoder has a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 9 losses as of 2025. Her victories include four by submission and five by decision. She has not won any fights by knockout or technical knockout in her career.
3. What inspired Ashley Yoder to pursue MMA?
Ashley was motivated to start MMA after personal tragedies, including the loss of her brother and cousin. Initially using MMA as an emotional outlet, she fell in love with the sport after her first fight and decided to pursue it professionally.
4. What are Ashley Yoder’s educational qualifications?
Ashley Yoder graduated from Indiana University with two Bachelor’s Degrees—one in Criminal Justice and another in African American Diaspora Studies. Before starting her MMA career, she worked as a lifeguard while completing her studies.
5. What are Ashley Yoder’s notable achievements in MMA?
Ashley competed on The Ultimate Fighter Season 23, where she represented Team Joanna. She has fought in promotions like BAMMA USA, Invicta FC, and Gladiator Challenge before joining the UFC, where she achieved multiple wins via armbar submission.
6. What team does Ashley Yoder train with?
Ashley trains with Team Quest, a renowned MMA gym located in Temecula, California. The gym has helped her develop her grappling skills and overall fighting technique.
7. What is Ashley Yoder’s fighting style?
Ashley specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is known for her grappling skills and submission techniques, particularly armbars. Her fighting stance is Southpaw, which adds versatility to her striking approach.
8. What endorsements does Ashley Yoder have?
Ashley Yoder is endorsed by Compex, a company specializing in muscle stimulators for recovery and resistance training. She uses their devices to enhance performance and manage post-workout soreness.
9. Has Ashley Yoder won any titles?
While Ashley has not won major titles in the UFC, she held an amateur belt in the EPIC series promotion based in California. Her professional career includes victories against notable opponents like Miranda Granger and Amber Brown.
10. What are Ashley Yoder’s hobbies outside of MMA?
Outside of fighting, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs and indulging in ice cream after bouts. Her easygoing personality has made her popular among fans beyond the octagon.
