Miranda Maverick: Here is the story of the UFC star you should know

Miranda Maverick has been a mainstay in the world of MMA for quite some time now.

Born on July 1, 1997, in Tunas, Missouri and Competing in the Flyweight division, Maverick has showcased her skills and determination in both the Invicta Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The Inspiration from Ronda Rousey

Growing up on her family farm, Maverick developed a strong work ethic and resilience that would serve her well in the world of martial arts. Inspired by watching Ronda Rousey fight on television, she started grappling at the age of sixteen, encouraged by her father. Maverick's journey took an interesting turn when she joined her high school wrestling team at Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Missouri. Competing on the men's varsity team during her senior year, she realized that college wrestling might not be in her future. However, her passion for combat sports remained strong, leading her to focus on MMA immediately after graduating from high school.

Despite her dedication to MMA, Maverick excelled academically. She graduated with honours from Drury University, majoring in psychology and sociology in 2018. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she relocated to Norfolk, VA, to pursue a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Old Dominion University.

Starting her MMA journey

Maverick's MMA journey began in 2015 when she started her amateur career, fighting under promotions such as Kansas City Fighting Alliance, ShoFight, and The Blue Corner. By the age of 18, she had amassed an impressive record of 7–1, earning her the Blue Corner and Shofight flyweight championships. Recognized as the number one amateur woman in her region on Tapology, Maverick caught the attention of Invicta Fighting Championships' President Shannon Knapp.

Making her promotional debut on November 18, 2016, at Invicta FC 20: Evinger vs. Kunitskaya, Maverick faced Samantha Diaz. Despite Diaz's unconventional weight-cutting tactics and Maverick's weight issue, Maverick showcased her skills and secured a first-round victory via rear-naked choke.

Maverick's professional career continued to unfold, with notable wins and setbacks along the way. She faced tough opponents such as Kalyn Schwartz, Gabby Romero, and Victoria Leonardo, earning victories through impressive submissions and unanimous decisions.

In February 2019, Maverick faced DeAnna Bennett at Invicta 34, ending in a unanimous decision loss. However, she bounced back by entering the Invicta Phoenix Series flyweight tournament in September, determined to prove herself in the flyweight division once again. Maverick emerged triumphant, defeating Victoria Leonardo and Shanna Young in the tournament's earlier rounds before securing a third-round neck crank submission victory against DeAnna Bennett in the finals.

Transitioning to the UFC, Maverick faced Pearl Gonzalez at Invicta FC 39 on February 7, 2020, earning a victory in impressive fashion. Her highly anticipated promotional debut in the UFC was scheduled for June 27, 2020, against Mara Romero Borella at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker. Unfortunately, an injury forced Maverick to withdraw from the bout.

Debut in the UFC

Undeterred, Maverick made her UFC debut on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254, where she faced Liana Jojua. The fight ended in a doctor stoppage between the first and second rounds, with Maverick securing a TKO victory.

Throughout her UFC career, Maverick has faced tough opponents, displaying her skills and resilience inside the Octagon. Her fights against Gillian Robertson, Maycee Barber, Erin Blanchfield, and Sabina Mazo showcased her determination and talent, with victories and losses shaping her growth as a fighter.

In her most recent bout against Jasmine Jasudavicius at UFC 289, Maverick experienced a setback, losing the fight via unanimous decision. However, she remains determined to learn from the experience and continue her journey in the highly competitive world of MMA.

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