The FightPost Female Fighter of the Year: Mikaela Mayer

The FightPost Female Fighter of the Year: Mikaela Mayer

Mikaela Mayer has had quite the year. Two fights. Two dominant wins. A world champion in two different weight divisions. Mayer is now one fight away from going undisputed at those two weights. Wins over Sandy Ryan and Mary Spencer, and the manner of those victories, have earned Mayer the FightPost female fighter of the year.

Not so long ago, Mayer had limited options. Losing controversial decisions to Alycia Baumgardner and Natasha Jonas left her facing an uncertain future and desperately looking for a way back into the big fights. But Sandy Ryan was tempted to defend her WBO world welterweight title against Mayer last year. In a scintillating, brutal back-and-forth war, Mayer beat Ryan in a classic. But the fight was tarnished by the infamous red paint attack Ryan suffered on the way to the arena on fight night.

Ryan had a second crack at Mayer in March, but the American left no doubt in their Las Vegas rematch. “I wanted to kick her ass, and I did,” Mayer said post-fight. All doubt removed, this time without a hint of controversy. Mayer was even better the second time around. Arguably, the performance of her career.

When an undisputed fight at welterweight with Lauren Price couldn’t get over the line, Mayer moved up to super-welterweight to fight the big Canadian Mary Spencer in October. Mayer went to Canada and came home with the WBC, WBA, and WBO baubles at 154. The American went right at her much bigger opponent from the opening seconds, and Mayer won virtually every round on the cards. I only gave Spencer one round, and she was outgunned and outclassed as she was comprehensively outpointed by the relentless American.

Mayer can look forward to 2026 with much glee. Potential fights with Price at welterweight, and the IBF world super-welterweight champion Oshae Jones could be on the cards. If it plays out the way Mayer would like, she could have two undisputed fights in one calendar year. A good year could be followed by an even better one for a 35-year-old who is seemingly getting better with age.

Honourable Mention: Gabriela Fundora and Elif Nur Turhan.