Professional LGBTQ Mixed Martial Artists
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full combat and unarmed sport that is composed of a mix of wrestling, boxing and traditional martial arts. It is known for its outright aggressiveness and brutality as a sport with very few rules other than those minimally required to maintain a competitor's safety. MMA's popularity has surged in recent years despite the fact many sports regulators remain wary of its legitimacy as an organized sport.
In this context, it is considered challenging for a fighter to come out as LGBTQ. Having a high-profile LGBTQ MMA fighter would contradict the public stereotype of intolerant and tough athletes that defines the MMA world. Nevertheless, the sports' largest organization, Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), continually expresses its support for diversity in the sport and sponsors several HIV/AIDS awareness programs. Part of the reluctance for MMA fighters to come out could be the fear of adverse fan reaction.
Lately, the sport has introduced weight classes, protective body equipment, and a professional women's division. Indeed, the vast majority of publicly out LGBTQ MMA fighters are lesbian. Only one gay profession fighter exists - Shad Smith of the United States. Recently, lesbian Amanda Nunes of Brazil became the first openly gay individual to hold a UFC championship belt.
We have identified the following Professional LGBTQ MMA fighters. They hail from the United States, Brazil and Mexico. Click on their names to read their fascinating biographies.
- Jessica Aguilar, Mexico
- Jessica Andrade, Brazil
- Nina Ansaroff, United States
- Liz Carmouche, United States
- Tonya Evinger, United States
- Fallon Fox, United States
- Ediane Gomes, Brazil
- Amanda Nunes, Brazil
- Raquel Pennington, United States
- Shad Smith, United States
- Livia Renata Souza, Brazil
