Ronda Rousey is the Queen of Mean.
Her reign as the UFC women's bantamweight champion is one of glory, guts and undeniable domination.
However, in a sport bubbling over with talented fighters from all corners of the globe, a champion's tenure is never a sure bet.
Instead, scintillating titleholders like Rousey are forced stand their ground and power through the waves of hungry contenders that crash upon MMA's beachfront.
It's a life of violence and sometimes ultimate peril, but it comes with the territory, especially for a champion who welcomes the adversity.
With that said, in accordance with the evolution of the women's division, here are the top five challengers currently clawing their way toward Rousey's doorstep.
*Cat Zingano is not included in this list
