Women's MMA is on the rise. This much is certain. Between the UFC, Invicta and other promotions accepting their place in the sport, stars are sure to be made.
Ronda Rousey is easily the biggest star in the sport, though Miesha Tate, Cris "Cyborg" Justino and Gina Carano have also broken out into the spotlight.
With the increased exposure, including Invicta on UFC Fight Pass and WSOF on network TV, who are some women that can become breakout stars? Let's take a look at four women who could fit that bill.
Michelle Waterson
The atomweight division is probably the least popular and exposed of the main four WMMA divisions. Now that UFC Fight Pass hosts Invicta events, champion Michelle Waterson can really break out into the mainstream.
Waterson, known as "The Karate Hottie," has constantly found herself in outrageously entertaining fights. Just watch her bouts against Lacey Schuckman and Jessica Penne. They rivaled the entertainment of any fight you can possibly think of.
Then there's Waterson's looks. Her nickname isn't an ironic one like the fat guy named, "Skinny Pete." She is a model with the looks and charisma to shoot her stock through the roof.
She could, in theory, become the next Gina Carano in terms of all-around star power.
Joanne Calderwood
One of the most beautiful art forms in MMA is Muay Thai. When watching Joanne Calderwood perform that art form, it's like watching a masterpiece in motion.
Fans have already gotten behind Calderwood in decent numbers, but many MMA fans are yet to be exposed to her. That's where the potentially popular Ultimate Fighter 20 comes in handy for her.
Many fans are anxious to watch this season, as it's the first-ever all-women's season of the show. The women's strawweight division is stacked with talent and should draw a near-record number of eyes on the season.
That means Calderwood will get her proper exposure. With her style and skill, fans have no choice but to take to his phenom.
Which of these four do you think will be the next breakout star?
Michelle Ould
Speaking of potential ladies on TUF 20, don't be surprised if Michelle Ould, who tried out for the show, makes the cast. That would be interesting for ratings.
Ould has always been outspoken and has the personality to win over fans. Mix in the fact that she is also a hottie, and she has the makings of a cult hero.
She's not just a mouth and looks, though. She's a badass fighter. That's been proved in Bellator and other promotions, where Ould has showed off her well-roundedness.
If she makes the cast of TUF 20, like I predict she will, she could become a big star in the world of WMMA.
Ashlee Evans-Smith
Have you read my interview with Ashlee Evans-Smith? Well, if you haven't, give it a gander because it's insightful and quite interesting.
Evans-Smith has a stock that has already shot up big time due to her win over Fallon Fox, a transgender individual who was grabbing all the headlines. Now she is with World Series of Fighting, which will continue to give her widespread fame, as she is the first female bantamweight to fight under the company's banner.
She has a great personality. In speaking with her, you could tell she was genuine, outgoing and a great figure to have in this sport.
