Jessica Rakoczy is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional boxer. She has competed in both sports at the highest levels. Rakoczy is known for her striking skills and resilience. She is a seven-time Women’s Lightweight Boxing Champion of the world.
Here we have Jessica Rakoczy’s career, net worth, prize money earnings, achievements, biography, and more.
Jessica Rakoczy’s Biography and Career
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Rakoczy |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | American/Canadian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| MMA Debut | 2009 |
| Boxing Record | 33-3-0 (3 No Contests) |
| MMA Record | 1-5-0 (MMA) |
| Children | 1 son |
Jessica Rakoczy was born on April 14, 1977, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a tough environment and turned to sports to escape her struggles.
Rakoczy initially pursued boxing before transitioning into mixed martial arts (MMA) later in her career. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada and has one son.
Boxing Career
Rakoczy e is a seven-time Women’s Lightweight World Champion. Throughout her boxing career, she competed against some of the best in the sport. Notable wins include her victory over Belinda Laracuente and her successful defenses of her lightweight title.
Rakoczy’s accomplishments in the ring made her a dominant figure in women’s boxing during her prime.
- In 2004, she won a unanimous decision against Lisa Lewis to claim the vacant IBA Female Lightweight Title.
- She defended her IBA title in 2005, beating Belinda Laracuente and winning the NABA Female Lightweight Title.
- Rakoczy achieved a major career milestone by defeating Jane Couch via TKO in 2005 to defend her IBA title and claim the WBC Female Lightweight Title.
- However, later in 2005, she lost the IBA and WBC titles to Eliza Olson via unanimous decision.
- In 2007, she was defeated by Ann Saccurato, losing the WBC Female Lightweight Title.
- She bounced back in 2013, winning the vacant WIBA Super Bantamweight Title by unanimous decision against Ada Vélez.
MMA Career
Rakoczy made her MMA debut in 2009, later transitioning fully to the sport after her boxing career. She gained wider recognition when she appeared on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), competing in the first-ever women’s season of the show.
Under coach Miesha Tate, Rakoczy reached the finals, where she fought Julianna Peña at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Despite losing by TKO, Rakoczy’s striking skills were evident, and she earned respect in the MMA community for making a successful transition from boxing.
She retired with a professional MMA record of 1 win and 5 losses.
Achievements
- WBC Lightweight World Champion (Boxing)
- NABF Lightweight Champion (Boxing)
- Finalist on The Ultimate Fighter 18 (MMA)
Jessica Rakoczy’s Net Worth Details
Jessica Rakoczy’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million as of 2025.
Her boxing career contributed most to her earnings, with significant prize money coming from her title fights.
Her MMA earnings were relatively modest, though her appearance on The Ultimate Fighter and her UFC fights helped boost her financial standing.
Prize Money Earnings
| Fight | Date | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Julianna Peña (TUF 18 Finale) | Nov 30, 2013 | $40,000 (estimate) |
| Tatiana Suarez (UFC Fight Night) | Jul 7, 2016 | $30,000 (estimate) |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $400,000 |
| 2021 | $450,000 |
| 2022 | $500,000 |
| 2023 | $550,000 |
| 2024 | $600,000 |
Endorsements
Rakoczy has had sponsorship deals during her combat sports career with brands such as Tapout, Venum, and Everlast, largely due to her high-profile boxing career and UFC exposure.
Professional Boxing Records
| Result | Wins | Losses | Draws | No Contests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 33 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| By KO | 12 | 1 | – | – |
| By Decision | 21 | 2 | – | – |
MMA Records
| 7 matches | 1 win | 5 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 2 |
| By submission | 0 | 1 |
| By decision | 0 | 2 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. What titles and accomplishments has Jessica Rakoczy earned in boxing?
Rakoczy is a former WBC Lightweight World Champion and IBF champion, achieving multiple world titles in professional boxing before transitioning to a mixed martial arts career.
2. What is Rakoczy’s professional boxing record and knockout ratio?
She amassed over 30 wins as a pro boxer, with 12 victories by knockout. Her high finishing rate and technical style made her one of Canada’s most successful female boxers.
3. How did Rakoczy transition from boxing to MMA?
After a decorated boxing career, Rakoczy pursued mixed martial arts, leveraging her striking ability, and appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” reaching the finals and competing in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division.
4. Which notable opponents did Rakoczy face in her MMA and boxing careers?
She boxed against world-class fighters like Ann Saccurato and Mia St. John. In MMA, she fought Julianna Peña in the TUF 18 finale and also matched up with fighters like Valerie Letourneau.
5. What strengths and fighting style defined Rakoczy’s approach?
Rakoczy was known for crisp boxing technique, quick hands, and ring IQ. In MMA, she relied on striking and takedown defense, continually adapting her skill set to new challenges.
6. What challenges or setbacks did Rakoczy overcome throughout her career?
She faced early adversity, legal hurdles, and injuries, yet repeatedly returned to win championship bouts in boxing and earn a UFC contract as a mixed martial artist.
7. How did Rakoczy’s participation in “The Ultimate Fighter” impact her MMA growth?
On TUF 18, she impressed with striking and heart, advancing to the finals despite being a late-comer to grappling. Her performance gained respect among MMA fans and fighters.
8. What is Rakoczy’s background and journey into combat sports?
Growing up in Canada, Rakoczy began boxing at a young age and competed in multiple amateur fights before turning professional. Her discipline and competitiveness fueled her rise in two sports.
9. Has Rakoczy contributed to combat sports outside of personal competition?
She has worked as a coach and mentor for younger fighters in both boxing and MMA, providing guidance based on her own diverse experience in championship bouts.
10. What is Rakoczy’s legacy in women’s combat sports?
Rakoczy is celebrated for championship wins in boxing and as a crossover athlete in MMA. Her perseverance, adapting from world champion boxer to respected MMA competitor, remains influential in women’s sports history.
