Women’s strawweight fighters salaries prove the division’s financial strength. Zhang Weili earned over $8 million dominating the 115-pound weight class.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk built $4 million through legendary title defenses. Tatiana Suarez commands $300,000 challenging for gold.
The strawweight division launched women’s MMA in UFC, creating consistent earning opportunities where champions bank seven figures per title defense.
| Name | Nationality | MMA Record |
| Zhang Weili | China | 25–3 |
| Virna Jandiroba | Brazil | 20–3 |
| Tatiana Suarez | United States | 10–0 |
| Yan Xiaonan | China | 17–3 |
| Amanda Lemos | Brazil | 14–3–1 |
| Jéssica Andrade | Brazil | 25–12 |
| Mackenzie Dern | United States | 13–5 |
| Amanda Ribas | Brazil | 12–5 |
| Iasmin Lucindo | Brazil | 16–5 |
| Gillian Robertson | Canada | 12–8 |
| Tabatha Ricci | Brazil | 10–2 |
| Loopy Godinez | Mexico | 12–4 |
| Angela Hill | United States | 16–13 |
| Tecia Pennington | United States | 13–8 |
| Loma Lookboonmee | Thailand | 8–3 |
| Denise Gomes | Brazil | 9–3 |
10 Highest Paid UFC Fighters in Women’s Strawweight Division Ranked
Women’s strawweight established UFC’s female divisions in 2013, evolving into a financial powerhouse where multiple fighters have cracked million-dollar career earnings through exciting performances.
| Rank | Fighter | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Active/Retired | Championships |
| 1 | Zhang Weili | $8M | $8M | Active | 2 Strawweight Titles |
| 2 | Tatiana Suarez | $6M | $1.5M | Active | 0 UFC Titles |
| 3 | Joanna Jedrzejczyk | $4M | $3.5M | Retired | 1 Strawweight Title |
| 4 | Rose Namajunas | $2M | $1.5M | Active | 2 Strawweight Titles |
| 5 | Jessica Andrade | $2M | $2.5M | Active | 1 Strawweight Title |
| 6 | Mackenzie Dern | $2.5M | $900K | Active | 0 UFC Titles |
| 7 | Carla Esparza | $1.5M | $1.8M | Retired | 2 Strawweight Titles |
| 8 | Yan Xiaonan | $1M | $800K | Active | 0 UFC Titles |
| 9 | Amanda Lemos | $800K | $600K | Active | 0 UFC Titles |
| 10 | Marina Rodriguez | $700K | $550K | Active | 0 UFC Titles |
Zhang Weili dominates strawweight earnings with approximately $8 million career total. Her UFC 300 performance alone paid $2.25 million, while UFC 292 netted $520,000 defeating Amanda Lemos, surpassing that event’s main event fighters.
Tatiana Suarez built $6 million net worth despite limited fights. Her wrestling credentials and undefeated record command premium purses, with UFC 312 title challenge earning estimated $300,000 base salary.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk accumulated $4 million across her legendary career. Her UFC 248 war with Zhang Weili paid just $156,000 despite being called the greatest female fight ever, showing how champion pay has evolved dramatically.
Who Earns Most at Strawweight?
Zhang Weili’s $8 million in career earnings establishes her as women’s strawweight’s wealthiest fighter. Her UFC 300 co-main event payday of $2.25 million represents the division’s single largest purse, tripling her base salary through PPV points.
Weili’s Chinese market appeal drives massive sponsorship opportunities. Her UFC 292 title defense paid $520,000, exceeding the $500,000 earned by bantamweight champion fighters on the same card.
Her UFC 312 victory over Tatiana Suarez projects similar earnings around $1.5-$2 million. Six successful title defenses across two championship reigns generate consistent seven-figure paydays that compound her wealth rapidly.
Women’s Strawweight Pay Evolution
| Fighter | 2020 Net Worth | 2023 Net Worth | 2025 Net Worth | Growth % | Key Income Sources |
| Zhang Weili | $2M | $6M | $8M | 300% | UFC purses, Chinese market sponsorships |
| Tatiana Suarez | $4M | $5M | $6M | 50% | UFC earnings, wrestling credentials |
| Mackenzie Dern | $1M | $2M | $2.5M | 150% | UFC purses ($900K), BJJ legacy |
| Rose Namajunas | $1M | $1.5M | $2M | 100% | UFC earnings, two-division moves |
Zhang Weili’s 300% growth reflects her championship dominance. Her evolution from $250,000 UFC 248 purse to $2.25 million at UFC 300 demonstrates how consistent winning multiplies earning potential exponentially.
Tatiana Suarez maintained steady growth despite injury layoffs. Her TUF 23 winner status and undefeated record command $150,000-$300,000 per fight, exceptional for fighters with limited octagon time.
Mackenzie Dern’s 150% surge came from consistent performances. Her $110,000-$150,000 base pay includes frequent $50,000 performance bonuses, with UFC Vegas 101 totaling $300,000 including her submission victory reward.
Current Champion Pay Structure
Zhang Weili commands $500,000-$750,000 base as champion with total compensation exceeding $1.5 million for major PPV events. Her consistent PPV main events guarantee significant revenue shares beyond disclosed base salaries.
Rose Namajunas earned $500,000 base during her strawweight championship reign. Her UFC 274 loss to Carla Esparza still paid $572,000 total including bonuses, maintaining elite earnings despite defeat.
Title challengers earn $150,000-$300,000 depending on credentials. Tatiana Suarez’s UFC 312 challenge paid estimated $300,000, while less established contenders receive $100,000-$150,000 base purses.
Historic Strawweight Paydays
Zhang Weili’s $2.25 million UFC 300 payday stands as women’s strawweight’s largest disclosed purse. The anniversary card premium PPV shares pushed her compensation far beyond typical championship rates.
Rose Namajunas earned $572,000 at UFC 274 losing her title. Her $500,000 base reflected her two-time champion status and drawing power that maintained premium earnings regardless of outcomes.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s $156,000 UFC 248 purse against Zhang seems modest now. That legendary five-round war deserved millions based on performance but reflected 2020’s lower strawweight pay scales.
Jessica Andrade earned championship-level purses during her title reign. Her UFC 237 knockout victory over Namajunas paid substantial bonuses, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
FAQs
How much does Zhang Weili make per fight?
Zhang Weili earns $1.5-$2.25 million per title defense including base pay and PPV shares. Her UFC 300 bout paid $2.25 million, the highest strawweight purse ever.
What’s Tatiana Suarez’s net worth?
Tatiana Suarez has an estimated net worth of $6 million despite limited fights. Her UFC 312 title challenge earned approximately $300,000 base salary.
Did Rose Namajunas make a million dollars?
Rose Namajunas hasn’t disclosed million-dollar purses but earned $572,000 at UFC 274. Her total strawweight earnings exceed $1.5 million across her two championship reigns.
How much does Mackenzie Dern earn?
Mackenzie Dern earns $110,000-$150,000 per fight. Her UFC Vegas 101 victory totaled $300,000 including a $50,000 performance bonus for submitting Amanda Ribas.
