Carla Esparza has carved her name in the history of mixed martial arts as one of the most determined and technically gifted strawweight fighters in UFC history.
Known for her relentless wrestling and never-give-up attitude, Esparza’s journey from high school mats to the UFC championship octagon has inspired countless fans around the globe.
This article teaches you about Carla Esparza’s net worth, biography, career earnings, endorsements, career achievements, fiancé, career overview, and more.
Carla Esparza’s Biography
| Full Name | Carla Kristen Esparza |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Cookie Monster |
| Birth Date | October 10, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Torrance, California, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Weight | 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| College | Menlo College |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Professional | 2010 |
| Current Team | Team Oyama |
| Salary (Annual) | Around $400,000 |
| Current Net Worth | $2.5 Million (approx.) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Matthew Lomeli (m. 2022) |
| Car Collection | Tesla Model Y, Jeep Wrangler |
| Bike Collection | Harley-Davidson Sportster |
| Top Brands Used | Reebok, Monster Energy, UFC Fight Kits |
| Hobby | Traveling, Surfing, Dog Training |
| Instagram Profile | @carlaesparza1 |
Carla Kristen Esparza was born on October 10, 1987, in Torrance, California, United States. Raised in a supportive family, Carla grew up with a competitive spirit that led her toward sports from a young age.
During her high school years, she excelled in wrestling — a skill that later became her greatest strength inside the octagon. Her journey into professional MMA began while attending Menlo College, where she became a 2-time All-American wrestler.
Last 5 Fight Stats
| Date | Oppon | Result | Event | Significant Strikes (Landed/Attempted) | Takedowns (Landed/Attempted) | Control Time | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2022 | Rose Namajunas | Win (Split Decision) | UFC 274 | 30 / 133 | 2 / 11 | 3:55 | 5 | 25:00 |
| May 22, 2021 | Yan Xiaonan | Win (TKO) | UFC Vegas 27 | 36 / 57 | 3 / 4 | 8:40 | 2 | 4:37 |
| Jul 25, 2020 | Marina Rodriguez | Win (Decision) | UFC on ESPN 14 | 51 / 120 | 4 / 8 | 6:25 | 3 | 15:00 |
| Aug 15, 2020 | Michelle Waterson | Win (Decision) | UFC Fight Night 174 | 45 / 112 | 3 / 5 | 7:10 | 3 | 15:00 |
| Sep 8, 2018 | Tatiana Suarez | Loss (TKO) | UFC 228 | 25 / 68 | 1 / 3 | 2:35 |
Early Career
Carla Esparza started her combat journey through wrestling in high school, becoming one of California’s top female wrestlers. Her grappling excellence earned her a scholarship to Menlo College, where she studied and trained under Olympic-level coaches.
She soon transitioned into mixed martial arts, debuting professionally in 2010. Within a short time, she gained attention in Invicta FC, where her ground control and quick takedowns set her apart.
Her early career was a stepping stone to becoming the first-ever UFC Strawweight Champion.
Professional Career
Carla Esparza’s professional MMA career took off when she joined Invicta FC, capturing the Strawweight title with a dominating wrestling display.
Her big break came in 2014 when she entered The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned, where she showcased unmatched tenacity and became the first-ever UFC Strawweight Champion by defeating Rose Namajunas.
After years of persistence, she reclaimed the UFC Strawweight Championship in 2022 with a split-decision victory over Rose Namajunas, proving her resilience and longevity.
Spouse
Carla Esparza is happily married to Matthew Lomeli, a real estate professional. The couple tied the knot in 2022 in a beautiful California ceremony.
Carla Esparza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Carla Esparza has an estimated net worth is $2.5 million. Most of her income comes from UFC fight purses, endorsement deals, and sponsorships.
She also earns from brand promotions and merchandise sales, adding to her growing fortune.
Contract
Carla Esparza’s current UFC contract includes multiple fights with performance bonuses and win-based incentives. Her per-fight payout averages between $150,000 – $250,000, depending on bonuses and pay-per-view shares.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Payout (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 274 | Rose Namajunas | Win | $310,000 |
| UFC Vegas 27 | Yan Xiaonan | Win | $250,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 174 | Marina Rodriguez | Win | $180,000 |
| UFC 249 | Michelle Waterson | Win | $170,000 |
| UFC 228 | Tatiana Suarez | Loss | $120,000 |
Endorsements
- Reebok
- Monster Energy
- UFC Fight Pass
- Crypto.com
- Venom Gear
Career Fight Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2022 | Rose Namajunas | Win | Split Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 274 |
| Mar 13, 2021 | Yan Xiaonan | Win | TKO | 2 | 4:37 | UFC Vegas 27 |
| Jul 25, 2020 | Michelle Waterson | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 | UFC FN 174 |
| Dec 12, 2020 | Marina Rodriguez | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 256 |
| May 9, 2020 | Alexa Grasso | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 249 |
Major Achievements
- First-ever UFC Strawweight Champion
- 2-time UFC Strawweight Champion
- Winner of The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned
- Former Invicta FC Strawweight Champion
FAQs
Who is Carla Esparza?
Carla Esparza is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s Strawweight division. She is known as the first-ever UFC Strawweight Champion and a 2-time titleholder.
What is Carla Esparza’s age in 2025?
Carla Esparza is 37 years old. She continues to compete at a high level despite her long career in MMA.
Who is Carla Esparza’s husband?
Carla Esparza is married to Matthew Lomeli, a California-based real estate professional. The couple married in 2022.
What is Carla Esparza’s fighting style?
She primarily uses wrestling and ground control, often dominating opponents with her takedowns and positional pressure.
How much is Carla Esparza’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Carla Esparza has an estimated net worth is $2.5 million. Most of her income comes from UFC fight purses, endorsement deals, and sponsorships.
Which brands sponsor Carla Esparza?
Esparza is endorsed by Monster Energy, Reebok, Venom Gear, and UFC Fight Pass, among others.
What was Carla Esparza’s biggest fight?
Her most significant bout was against Rose Namajunas at UFC 274, where she reclaimed her Strawweight title.
How many times has Carla Esparza been a UFC champion?
Carla Esparza has been crowned UFC Strawweight Champion twice, in 2014 and 2022.
Does Carla Esparza have any children?
As of 2025, Carla and her husband don’t have children, but they often share family moments with their pets.
Where can I follow Carla Esparza online?
Fans can follow her on Instagram at @carlaesparza1, where she shares training updates and personal life moments.
