Carla Esparza also known by the nickname the “Cookie Monster” is a famous professional Mixed Martial Artist. She was once a UFC Strawweight Champion, and she has contributed immensely to the progress of the sport and is still a strong spirit to many out there.
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In this article, her biography, career accomplishments, and her financial position are discussed highlighting areas that have not been captured by previous works.
Carla Esparza: Early Life and Career Beginnings
Carla Kristen Esparza was born on the 10th of October in the Californian city of Torrance. Karate training for her started earlier at 13 when she joined a karate school. Such interest in combat sports was encouraged by the numerous competitions she was taking part in across the Southern California region.
Esparza furthered his studies during his martial arts training as well. She further had to switch to MMA full-time sparring under trainers of high pedigree at the American Kickboxing Academy situated in San Jose, California.
Carla Esparza Career Highlights
MMA Career Overview
Esparza started her professional MMA in the early part of 2008, particularly in June. That is why she quickly gained a reputation as a powerful wrestler and a great striker. She has competed in several organizations over the years for that company, with Bellator and Invicta FC being among them.
UFC Career Highlights
- First UFC Strawweight Champion: Esparza was born in 1986 and she emerged as the first UFC Strawweight Champion in 2014 after having fought in The Ultimate Fighter tournament.
- Title Defenses: When she won the fight but lost it Joanna Jędrzejczyk in 2015.
- Return to Championship Glory: Almost three years later, Esparza won the belt again on May 7, 2022, from Rose Namajunas at UFC 274.
Notable Achievements
| Title | Year | Event |
|---|---|---|
| First UFC Strawweight Champion | 2014 | The Ultimate Fighter |
| Invicta FC Strawweight Champion | 2013 | Invicta FC |
| Performance of the Night Bonus | Multiple | Various Events |
Recent Fights and Performance
Several of Esparza’s recent fights have demonstrated quite a lot of hope and strength in her. Nevertheless, Esparza performs as a worthy contender in the octagon even if she lost her title in the recent match with Zhang Weili at UFC 281.
Carla Esparza Net Worth & Finance Overview
Carla Esparza’s projected net worth for the year 2024 ranged from $1 million to $1.5 million. This wealth can be accredited to her fighting accomplishments, endorsements, and other registered businesses. Her earnings for her career are over $1.2 million which puts her among the most paid female fighters in the history of MMA.
Carla Esparza: Personal Life And Relationship
Carla is married to Matthew Lomeli, who is equal to her work commitment and stands by her side. For all the information regarding her life that is not in the octagon, she shares it on her social media pages.
Conclusion
Carla Esparza has been on the receiving end of a great success story being a young athlete who transitioned into a two-time UFC champion. Her passion for the sport and ability to deal with issues that come with the sport should inspire the young fighter.
That is why even today Esparza has a strong position financially and both, mentally and physically and has an unyielding spirit that lets him have an impact on the development of MMA.
Also Read, David Bennent, Sal Capaccio, Isabel Arraiza and Elijah Nelson Clark.
