Nicco Montaño: The Forgotten Queen of the UFC Kingdom

When you think of UFC champions, names like Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey, and Valentina Shevchenko probably come to mind. These are fighters who’ve dominated headlines, secured numerous title defenses, and become household names. But there’s one champion who seems to have slipped through the cracks of MMA history—Nicco Montaño, the UFC’s inaugural women’s flyweight champion.

Let’s rewind to 2017. The UFC was eager to establish its women’s flyweight division, a weight class that perfectly bridged the gap between strawweight and bantamweight. Enter The Ultimate Fighter Season 26, a tournament to crown the division’s first queen. Among the competitors was Nicco Montaño, a gritty underdog with no UFC fights to her name.

The Rise of the Underdog

Montaño wasn’t exactly a fan favorite heading into The Ultimate Fighter. She didn’t have the glossy 10-0 record or the flashy knockouts of some of her peers. But fight after fight, Montaño proved her mettle. She defeated Lauren Murphy, Montana De La Rosa, and Barb Honchak, three seasoned opponents, to earn her spot in the finale.

On December 1, 2017, Montaño faced Roxanne Modafferi in the TUF 26 Finale. Despite being an underdog yet again, she put on a gutsy performance, showcasing relentless cardio and effective striking. When the final bell rang, Montaño was crowned the UFC’s first-ever women’s flyweight champion. It was a Cinderella story—an unheralded fighter rising to the occasion and claiming gold.

The Fall from Grace

Unfortunately, Montaño’s reign didn’t last long. It wasn’t Valentina Shevchenko or another fighter who dethroned her—it was a string of bad luck, injuries, and weight-cutting issues. Scheduled to defend her title against Shevchenko in September 2018, Montaño was hospitalized after a brutal weight cut and was stripped of her title.

Critics were merciless. Accusations of unprofessionalism flew, and some even suggested that Montaño never deserved the belt in the first place. Suddenly, the underdog story that had captivated fans turned into a cautionary tale about the unforgiving nature of the fight game.

Why Is Montaño Overlooked?

There are several reasons why Montaño’s name rarely comes up in discussions about UFC champions.

1. The One-and-Done Reign
   Montaño is one of the few UFC champions who never defended her belt. In a sport where legacy is often measured by title defenses, this made her reign seem less significant.

2. Injuries and Inactivity
   After being stripped of her title, Montaño struggled with injuries and long periods of inactivity. These extended absences made it difficult for fans to connect with her or follow her career.

3. Public Perception
   Whether fair or not, Montaño’s withdrawal from the Shevchenko fight left a bad taste in many fans’ mouths. UFC President Dana White’s less-than-supportive comments didn’t help either, painting her as unreliable.

The Nicco Montaño Legacy

But let’s give credit where it’s due. Montaño’s journey to the UFC belt was nothing short of remarkable. She wasn’t handed an easy path; she earned her title through sheer determination and skill.

Moreover, Montaño’s story highlights the brutal realities of MMA. The sport is as much about surviving outside the cage as it is about winning inside it. Injuries, weight cuts, and public perception can derail even the most promising careers.

What’s Next for Montaño?

As of now, Montaño hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2019, and her future in MMA remains uncertain. However, her story isn’t over. Whether she returns to fighting, transitions to coaching, or pursues a completely different path, Montaño’s name will always hold a unique place in UFC history.

Why Her Story Still Matters

Nicco Montaño may not have the star power of a Ronda Rousey or the dominance of an Amanda Nunes, but her story is a reminder that champions come in all forms. She proved that grit and determination can take you to the top, even when the odds are stacked against you.

So, next time you’re debating the greatest UFC champions of all time, spare a thought for Nicco Montaño—the forgotten queen who, for one shining moment, ruled the UFC kingdom.