Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is a renowned MMA fighter who has made a name for herself in Bellator’s flyweight division.
Known for her grit, skill, and advocacy for Indigenous issues, she has inspired many with her journey from a casual gym-goer to a world champion.
Below, we explore his personal life, career, and notable achievements in detail.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ilima-Lei Macfarlane |
| Nickname | The Ilimanator |
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1990 |
| Age | 34 years |
| College | San Diego State University |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Turned Pro | January 17, 2015 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Salary | Approx. $150,000 per fight (recent fights) |
| Spouse/Partner | Not married, relationship status possibly single |
| Instagram Profile | @ilimanator |
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up as the youngest of six siblings. She graduated with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and later pursued a Master’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Her journey into MMA began as an effort to lose weight but quickly turned into a professional career.
Early Career
Ilima-Lei’s MMA journey started in an unconventional way. She joined an MMA gym during her college years to get fit but soon discovered her natural talent for combat sports.
After competing in amateur fights, she transitioned to the professional level in 2015. Her early fights showcased her skills and determination, setting the stage for her rise in Bellator.
Professional Career
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane made her professional debut in 2015 and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional grappling and striking abilities.
She became the inaugural Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion in 2017 after defeating Emily Ducote at Bellator 186. She successfully defended her title four times, including notable wins against Valerie Letourneau and Veta Arteaga.
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Despite losing the title in 2020 to Juliana Velasquez, Ilima-Lei continued to compete at the highest level in Bellator.
Her most recent fights include victories over Kana Watanabe and Bruna Ellen, though she faced setbacks against Justine Kish and Liz Carmouche.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s Net Worth Details
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. This wealth comes from her fight purses, endorsements, and philanthropic efforts.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Outcome | Purse ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellator 300 | Liz Carmouche | Loss | $150,000 |
| Bellator 295 | Kana Watanabe | Win | $100,000 |
| Bellator 284 | Bruna Ellen | Win | $75,000 |
Endorsements
- Monster Energy
- Nike Training
Career Records
| Opponent | Outcome | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Liz Carmouche | Loss (TKO) | Bellator 300 |
| Kana Watanabe | Win (Split Decision) | Bellator 295 |
| Juliana Velasquez | Loss (Decision) | Bellator 254 |
| Valerie Letourneau | Win (Submission) | Bellator 213 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ilima-Lei Macfarlane?
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is a Native Hawaiian professional mixed martial artist competing in the flyweight division of Bellator MMA. She is the inaugural and former Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion.
2. What is Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s MMA record?
As of now, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane holds a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 3 losses. Her victories include 6 submissions, 2 knockouts, and 5 decisions.
3. What are Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s major accomplishments in MMA?
She was the inaugural Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion with four successful title defenses. She also holds the most wins (12) and most submission wins (6) among women in Bellator history.
4. How did Ilima-Lei Macfarlane start her MMA career?
Her MMA journey began after joining a gym to lose weight during college. She transitioned from amateur to professional fighting in 2015, making her debut with Xplode Fight Series before signing with Bellator MMA.
5. What is Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s educational background?
Ilima-Lei earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on indigenous issues from San Diego State University.
6. What is Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s connection to her Hawaiian heritage?
As a Native Hawaiian, she actively supports indigenous movements, works to protect sacred sites, and advocates for Native communities through her foundation, Nā Wahine Toa.
7. What is the significance of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane’s foundation?
Her foundation, Nā Wahine Toa, empowers young women globally by supporting education and addressing issues like violence against Native women.
8. Has Ilima-Lei Macfarlane competed outside of MMA?
Yes, she has competed in combat jiu-jitsu and won the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Flyweight Championship at EBI 12. She was promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2023.
9. What challenges has Ilima-Lei Macfarlane faced outside the cage?
In 2020, she filed a lawsuit against Punahou School for failing to address years of alleged sexual abuse by an assistant basketball coach. This case highlighted her advocacy for justice and safety for young women.
10. Where does Ilima-Lei Macfarlane train and live?
She trains full-time at Team Hurricane Awesome in San Diego, California, but frequently returns to her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, to stay connected with her roots.
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