Leslie Smith, also known as “The Peacemaker,” is an American professional female mixed martial artist.
Leslie Smith was born on August 17, 1982, in Pleasant Hill, California. Known for her fierce fighting style and activism, Smith has built a notable career over the years.
In this article, you will know Leslie Smith’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Leslie Smith’s Biography
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Leslie Smith |
| Nickname | The Peacemaker |
| Age | 42 |
| Height | 175 cm (5’9″) |
| Last Weigh-In | 143.6 lbs (65 kg) |
| Reach | 168 cm (5’6″) |
| Leg Reach | 99 cm (3’3″) |
| Style | BJJ |
| Born | August 17, 1982 |
Early Career
He is a professional MMA fighter known for her aggressive fighting style and high-volume striking.
Smith has competed in several top organizations, including Invicta Fighting Championships, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Bellator MMA.
Notable victories, intense battles, and a commitment to fighter rights and unionization have marked her journey in the MMA world.
Professional Career
Smith made her UFC debut in 2014, stepping in as a late replacement to fight Sarah Kaufman.
Despite losing her debut, she continued to compete in the UFC, earning victories against fighters like Jessamyn Duke and Amanda Lemos.
Her fight against Irene Aldana earned her the Fight of the Night bonus, showcasing her ability to deliver thrilling performances.
After her stint in the UFC, Smith joined Bellator MMA, where she continued to compete at a high level.
She faced tough opponents like Cris Cyborg and Amanda Bell, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable fighter.
Spouse
Leslie Smith is married to Keri Melendez, a Bellator fighter.
Leslie Smith’s Net Worth Details
Leslie Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Leslie Smith’s contract with the UFC expired in the summer of 2018, and the UFC declined to renew it, making her a free agent. In April 2019, she signed a deal with Bellator MMA.
Career Earnings
| Event | Opponent | Outcome | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 95 | Cris Cyborg | Loss | $2,500 |
| UFC 229 | Yana Kunitskaya | Loss | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 219 | Mayra Bueno Silva | Loss | $6,000 |
| Bellator 259 | Cris Cyborg | Loss | $20,000 |
| Bellator 245 | Amanda Bell | Win | $20,000 |
| Bellator 233 | Arlene Blencowe | Loss | $20,000 |
| Bellator 224 | Sinead Kavanagh | Win | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio | Amanda Lemos | Win | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: VanZant vs. Waterson | Irene Aldana | Win | $20,000 |
| UFC 198 | Cris Cyborg | Loss | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Mir | Rin Nakai | Win | $20,000 |
| UFC 180 | Jessica Eye | Loss | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Miller | Jessamyn Duke | Win | $20,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Kennedy | Sarah Kaufman | Loss | $20,000 |
Endorsements
However, she has been involved in various activities outside of fighting, such as:
- Project Spearhead: Leslie Smith is the leader of Project Spearhead, an organization advocating for collective bargaining in MMA.
- Gary Sinise Foundation: Leslie Smith represents the Gary Sinise Foundation as an Ambassador, attending events nationwide and engaging audiences as a public speaker.
- USO: Leslie Smith has worked as a senior media relations liaison at the USO.
- Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans: Leslie Smith received a Secretarial appointment to this committee.
Fight Stats
| Event | Opponent | Outcome | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellator 259 | Cris Cyborg | Loss | TKO | 5 | 4:51 |
| Bellator 245 | Amanda Bell | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| Bellator 233 | Arlene Blencowe | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| Bellator 224 | Sinead Kavanagh | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| UFC Fight Night 113 | Amanda Lemos | Win | TKO | 2 | 1:53 |
| UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson | Irene Aldana | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| UFC 198 | Cris Cyborg | Loss | TKO | 1 | 1:21 |
| UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Mir | Rin Nakai | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| UFC 180 | Jessica Eye | Loss | TKO | 2 | 1:30 |
| UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Miller | Jessamyn Duke | Win | TKO | 1 | 2:24 |
| UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Kennedy | Sarah Kaufman | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
FAQs
1. Who is Leslie Smith (fighter)?
Leslie Smith, born on August 17, 1982, is an American mixed martial artist known as “The Peacemaker.” She has competed in organizations like Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator MMA. Smith is recognized for her aggressive fighting style and high-volume striking. She holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been active in MMA since 2008.
2. What is Leslie Smith’s MMA record?
Leslie Smith has a professional MMA record of 22 fights: 12 wins (5 by knockout, 7 by decision), 9 losses (3 by knockout, 6 by decision), and 1 draw. She has earned multiple “Fight of the Night” bonuses throughout her career.
3. What is Project Spearhead, and how is Leslie Smith involved?
Project Spearhead is an initiative founded by Leslie Smith in 2018 to unionize MMA fighters and improve their working conditions. The organization advocates for fighter rights, aiming to address issues like pay disparities and health benefits.
4. What are some notable fights in Leslie Smith’s career?
Key moments include her TKO victory over Jessamyn Duke at UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Miller and her fight against Cris Cyborg at UFC 198. Despite losing to Cyborg, she later challenged her again for the Bellator Women’s Featherweight title in 2021.
5. What is Leslie Smith’s educational background?
Leslie Smith holds an Associate of Arts degree from Pikes Peak Community College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in labor and employer relations at Rutgers University. She also played water polo during high school.
6. Who is Leslie C. Smith?
Leslie C. Smith is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who served as the 66th Inspector General of the Army. He holds advanced degrees in accounting and national security studies and has received numerous military honors, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
7. What are Leslie Dorrough Smith’s academic contributions?
Dr. Leslie Dorrough Smith is a professor specializing in religious studies, gender, and politics. She has authored several books, including Compromising Positions, which explores the intersection of American Christianity and politics.
8. What does Leslie Smith do as a brand marketing director?
Leslie Smith (brand strategist) specializes in creating impactful marketing campaigns within music, entertainment, and technology industries. She has worked with brands like Nike Women and Beats by Dre, focusing on community building and culturally informed strategies.
9. Who is Leslie Smith in the field hockey world?
Leslie Smith is an assistant coach with extensive experience developing collegiate field hockey players. A former USA Field Hockey U16 National Team member, she has helped teams achieve national championships and developed numerous All-American athletes.
10. What role does Leslie Smith play in Mass Tort legal services?
As Chief Commercial Officer at Perfected Claims, Leslie Smith oversees client services and operations in Mass Tort cases. With over 14 years of experience, she focuses on case management, claims administration, and improving client interactions through technology solutions.
