Carla Esparza

Carla Esparza's path to mixed martial arts (MMA) began when she started wrestling for the varsity team during her junior year at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California.{{cite web|url=http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/schoolid/257/articleid/49755/newspaperid/233/Sea_Hawks_will_host_wrestling_tournament.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415073410/http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/schoolid/257/articleid/49755/newspaperid/233/Sea_Hawks_will_host_wrestling_tournament.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-15 |title=Sea Hawks will host wrestling tournament |publisher=my.hsj.org |date=2005-01-21 |accessdate=2012-10-14 }} After winning multiple regional and national high-school wrestling tournaments, Esparza was awarded a scholarship to Menlo College, a NAIA Division school in northern California, to wrestle under coach and former two-time Olympian Lee Allen.{{cite web|url=http://www.menloathletics.com/roster/6/13/2754.php|title=2008-09 Women's Wrestling - Carla O'Connell|publisher=MenloAthletics.com|accessdate=2012-10-14|archive-date=2014-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103102450/http://www.menloathletics.com/roster/6/13/2754.php|url-status=dead}}

In 2008 and 2009, Esparza was a women's wrestling All-American with the Menlo Oaks.{{cite web|url=http://www.menloathletics.com/allAmerican.php|title=Menlo All-Americans|publisher=MenloAthletics.com|accessdate=2012-10-14|archive-date=2017-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821085435/http://www.menloathletics.com/allAmerican.php|url-status=dead}}

While in college, Esparza started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Gracie Academy in Torrance under Rener, Ryron, and Ralek Gracie. She then expanded her mixed martial arts repertoire when she began training at Team Oyama during the summer of her junior year of college.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimateapocalypse.com/mma_news_at_ultimate_apocalypse_mma/2012/03/carla-esparza-bio-and-wmma-fight-facts/|title=Carla Esparza Bio and WMMA Fight Facts|publisher=UltimateApocalypse.com|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

In August 2010, only six months after her pro debut and with just three professional MMA fights, Esparza was called in by Bellator MMA as a last-minute replacement for Angela Magaña, who was forced to withdraw from her upcoming fight due to a foot injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2010/08/09/carla-esparza-to-face-megumi-fujii-at-bellator-24/|title=Carla Esparza To Face Megumi Fujii At Bellator 24|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2010-08-09|accessdate=2012-10-14}} Esparza was inserted in the bracket of the Bellator Season 3 115 lb women's tournament at Bellator 24. On just three days' notice, Esparza's opponent in the quarterfinal round was the undefeated and then #1 pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world, Megumi Fujii. Esparza lost the fight to the heavily favored Fujii via second-round armbar submission.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2010/08/12/fujii-aguilar-both-victorious-at-bellator-24/|title=Fujii, Aguilar Both Victorious At Bellator 24|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2010-08-12|accessdate=2012-10-14}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Lombard-Flattens-Goodman-in-38-Seconds-at-Bellator-24-26287|title=Lombard Flattens Goodman in 38 Seconds at Bellator 24|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2010-08-12|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

In June 2011, Esparza returned to the Bellator cage and faced fellow Season 3 tournament challenger Jessica Aguilar at Bellator 46.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2011/03/30/jessica-aguilar-vs-carla-esparza-targeted-for-late-june/|title=Jessica Aguilar vs Carla Esparza Targeted For Late June|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2011-03-30|accessdate=2012-10-14}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/AguilarEsparza-Expected-for-Bellators-Summer-Series-31613|title=Aguilar-Esparza Expected for Bellator's 'Summer Series'|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2011-04-14|accessdate=2012-10-14}} After a three-round back and forth battle, Aguilar defeated Esparza via split decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2011/06/25/jessica-aguilar-edges-carla-esparza-at-bellator-46/|title=Jessica Aguilar Edges Carla Esparza At Bellator 46|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2011-06-25|accessdate=2012-10-14}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-46-Prelims-Aguilar-Takes-Split-Decision-Popo-Impresses-33458|title=Bellator 46 Prelims: Aguilar Takes Split Decision, 'Popo' Impresses|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2011-06-25|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

On December 2, 2011, Esparza made her XFC debut against Felice Herrig at XFC 15: Tribute in Tampa, Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2011/10/13/carla-esparza-vs-felice-herrig-announced-for-xfc-15/|title=Carla Esparza vs Felice Herrig Announced For XFC 15|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2011-10-13|accessdate=2012-10-14}} She defeated Herrig via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2011/12/02/carla-esparza-defeats-felice-herrig-in-xfc-15-co-feature/|title=Carla Esparza Defeats Felice Herrig In XFC 15 Co-Feature|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2011-12-02|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

Three months later, Esparza was scheduled to face Angela Magana at Pandemonium VI for the MEZ Sports women's flyweight title.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2011/12/27/carla-esparza-vs-angela-magana-title-fight-planned-for-march/|title=Carla Esparza vs Angela Magana Title Fight Planned For March|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2011-12-27|accessdate=2012-10-14}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/Pandemonium-IV-Returns-to-Riverside-MMA-card-to-be-streamed-live-on-Sherdog-39941|title=Pandemonium IV Returns to Riverside MMA card to be streamed live on Sherdog|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=2012-02-03|accessdate=2012-10-14}} Unfortunately, Magana was involved in a car accident on the day of the fight while in transit to the Riverside Convention Center, where the event was being staged.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngzd-3Jwbbc|title=Carla Esparza Interview|publisher=YouTube.com|date=2012-03-03|accessdate=2012-10-14}} Magana re-broke her back in the collision and was unable to compete in the fight.{{cite web|url=http://pennyjomma.net/2012/03/04/for-the-second-time-female-mma-fighter-angela-magana-has-broken-her-back/|title=Update: For the Second Time Female MMA Fighter Angela Magana has Broken her Back|publisher=PennyJoMMA.net|date=2012-03-04|accessdate=2012-10-14|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222154228/http://pennyjomma.net/2012/03/04/for-the-second-time-female-mma-fighter-angela-magana-has-broken-her-back/|archive-date=2013-02-22|url-status=dead}}

In May 2012, it was announced that Esparza had signed with the upstart all-female Invicta Fighting Championships promotion.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2012/05/20/carla-esparza-to-face-sarah-schneider-at-invicta-fc-2/|title=Carla Esparza To Face Sarah Schneider At Invicta FC 2|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2012-05-20|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

On July 28, 2012, Esparza made her Invicta debut at the promotion's second event, entitled Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann, and faced Sarah Schneider on the preliminary card. Esparza won the fight via TKO (punches) at 4:28 of round two.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/results/2012/7/28/3192571/invicta-fc-2-results-baszler-vs-mcmann|title=Invicta FC 2 Results: Baszler vs. McMann|publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=2012-07-28|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

Esparza returned to Invicta to face Lynn Alvarez at Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama on October 6, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2012/08/15/carla-esparza-vs-lynn-alvarez-headlines-invicta-fc-3-prelims/|title=Carla Esparza vs Lynn Alvarez Headlines Invicta FC 3 Prelims|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2012-08-15|accessdate=2012-10-14}} She defeated Alvarez via TKO (punches) at 2:53 of round one.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/10/6/3460420/invicta-fc-3-results-penne-vs-sugiyama|title=Invicta FC 3 Results: Penne vs. Sugiyama|publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=2012-10-06|accessdate=2012-10-14}}

Esparza was expected to face Ayaka Hamasaki for the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship at Invicta FC 4: Esparza vs. Hyatt on January 5, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2012/10/22/invicta-fcs-carla-esparza-preparing-for-january-title-fight/|title=Invicta FC's Carla Esparza Preparing For January Title Fight|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2012-10-22|accessdate=2012-10-25}} However, Hamasaki withdrew from the fight in order to defend her Jewels Lightweight title in Japan. Esparza was then set to face Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Cláudia Gadelha in the Invicta FC 4 main event,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2012/11/19/carla-esparza-vs-claudia-gadelha-targeted-for-invicta-fc-4/|title=Carla Esparza vs Claudia Gadelha Targeted For Invicta FC 4|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2012-11-19|accessdate=2012-11-19}} but Gadelha broke her nose in training and was forced to withdraw.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2012/12/28/claudia-gadelha-injured-out-of-invicta-fc-4-title-fight/|title=Claudia Gadelha Injured, Out Of Invicta FC 4 Title Fight|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2012-12-28|accessdate=2012-12-31}}

Esparza ultimately faced Bec Hyatt for the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/bec-hyatt-gets-the-call-to-face-carla-esparza-in-main-event-at-invicta-fc-4|title=Bec Hyatt Gets the Call to Face Carla Esparza in Main Event at Invicta FC 4|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2012-12-28|accessdate=2012-12-31}} Esparza won the fight via unanimous decision to become the first Invicta FC Strawweight Champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/articles/2013/01/05/invicta-fc-4-results-carla-esparza-wins-strawweight-title/|title=Invicta FC 4 Results: Carla Esparza Wins Strawweight Title|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2013-01-05|accessdate=2013-01-13}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/invicta-fc-4-live-results-7-p-m-et |title=Invicta FC 4 results: Esparza outlasts Hyatt for belt, Davis chokes out Baszler |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2013-01-05 |accessdate=2013-01-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108082317/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/invicta-fc-4-live-results-7-p-m-et |archive-date=2013-01-08 }}

Esparza agreed to defend her title against Ayaka Hamasaki at Invicta FC 6: Coenen vs. Cyborg on July 13, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2013/04/13/carla-esparza-vs-ayaka-hamasaki-targeted-for-invicta-fc-6/|title=Carla Esparza vs Ayaka Hamasaki Targeted For Invicta FC 6|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2013-04-13|accessdate=2013-04-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/carla-esparza-to-defend-belt-at-invicta-fc-6-in-july-bec-hyatt-also-returns|title=Carla Esparza to Defend Belt at Invicta FC 6 in July; Bec Hyatt Also Returns|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2013-04-16|accessdate=2013-04-19}} However, on June 4 she withdrew from the fight due to a knee injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/6/4/4395876/strawweight-champion-carla-esparza-out-of-invicta-fc-6-due-to-knee|title=Strawweight champion Carla Esparza out of Invicta FC 6 due to knee injury|publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=2013-06-04|accessdate=2013-06-04}}

On December 7, 2013, Esparza was set to defend her strawweight title against Cláudia Gadelha at Invicta FC 7.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmarising.com/news/2013/09/18/carla-esparza-vs-claudia-gadelha-targeted-for-invicta-fc-7/|title=Carla Esparza vs Claudia Gadelha Targeted For Invicta FC 7|publisher=MMARising.com|date=2013-09-18|accessdate=2013-09-20}} However, on the day of the event, Gadelha was taken to the hospital due to a bacterial infection and the fight was canceled. Esparza vacated the title on December 11, 2013 to compete on The Ultimate Fighter.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/shanknapp/status/410980964190277633|title=Invicta FC Strawweight title vacated|accessdate = 2013-12-13}}

On December 11, 2013, it was announced that Esparza was signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) along with 10 other strawweight fighters to compete on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter, which would crown the first ever UFC Strawweight Champion.{{cite web|url=http://mmainsider.net/13572/ufc-announce-plans-for-strawweight-division-with-tuf-20-signings-of-several-invicta-fc-roster-confirmed|title=UFC Announce Plans for Strawweight Division with TUF 20, Signings of Several Invicta FC Roster Confirmed|publisher=MMAInsider.net|author=Dave Reid|date=2013-12-11|accessdate=2013-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212021107/http://mmainsider.net/13572/ufc-announce-plans-for-strawweight-division-with-tuf-20-signings-of-several-invicta-fc-roster-confirmed|archive-date=2013-12-12|url-status=usurped}}

Esparza was the top seed in the tournament. She faced Angela Hill in the preliminary round and won via submission in the first round. In the quarterfinal round, she faced Tecia Torres and won the fight via majority decision.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Brian |title=TUF 20: Carla Esparza outlasts Tecia Torres, faces Jessica Penne in semifinal |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2014/12/03/tuf-20-carla-esparza-outlasts-tecia-torres-faces-jessica-penne-in-semifinal/ |website=dailynews.com |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=17 April 2021}} She then faced teammate Jessica Penne in the semifinal, and won by unanimous decision.{{cite web |last1=Raimondi |first1=Marc |title=Rose Namajunas, Carla Esparza advance to first UFC women's strawweight title fight |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/12/10/7375029/rose-namajunas-carla-esparza-advance-to-first-ufc-womens-strawweight |website=mmafighting.com |date=10 December 2014 |access-date=17 April 2021}}

By winning the tournament on The Ultimate Fighter, Esparza advanced to the final on December 12, 2014, against Rose Namajunas.

{{Quote box| quote ="She did an outstanding job. Standing on her feet and on the ground, she completely dominated. She took her down at will. I say it every season but the best rise to the top on the show, and she definitely did tonight." |align=right |width=30% |source=—UFC President Dana White on Esparza's title victory}}

After dominating much of the fight with her grappling and ground strikes, Esparza defeated Namajunas via rear-naked choke in the third round to become the inaugural UFC Strawweight Champion. The result also earned Esparza a Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/tuf-20-finale-bonuses-esparza-medeiros-penne-markos-win-50000|title=TUF 20 Finale bonuses: Esparza, Medeiros, Penne, Markos win $50,000|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 12, 2014}}

Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports noted, "Namajunas tapped at 1:26 of the third round, but the fight was over long before that. Esparza was too strong, too smart and simply too good for the far less experienced Namajunas." He went on to state that "Esparza dominated her three fights on the reality show and was no less dominant on Saturday. There is clearly a gap between Esparza and the next level of challengers". Following the fight, Brad Walker of MMATorch declared, "Esparza is the best fighter in her division in the world, not just in the UFC."{{cite news|title=ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for Carla Esparza vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk title bout at UFC 185|url=http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/roundtables/article_25228.shtml|work=mmatorch.com|date=2015-03-13|accessdate=2016-07-16}}

In her first title defense, Esparza faced kickboxer Joanna Jędrzejczyk on March 14, 2015, at UFC 185. Prior to the fight, Jędrzejczyk stated, "I have lots of respect for her." She also noted, "I know she's not going to give up easy, so it's going to be a tough fight for me and for her."{{cite news|author=Mike Bohn|title=UFC 185's Joanna Jedrzejczyk dismisses Esparza's wrestling: 'I'm going to be better'|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/ufc-185s-joanna-jedrzejczyk-dismisses-esparzas-wrestling-im-going-to-be-better|work=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-03-08|accessdate=2016-07-16}} Throughout the bout, Esparza was out-struck while standing and unable to keep Jędrzejczyk on the mat. Jędrzejczyk won via TKO in the second round. In an interview afterward, Esparza noted, "She had great takedown defense, obviously. I feel like I wasn't really setting it up, but that's on me."{{cite news|title=UFC 185 Results: Joanna Jedrzejczyk Destroys Carla Esparza in Strawweight Title Fight|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ufc-185-results-joanna-jedrzejczyk-destroys-carla-esparza-045322644--mma.html|work=Yahoo|date=2015-03-15|accessdate=2016-07-16}} She went on to state, "There's never any excuses. I fought my fight and I lost tonight. She did a great job."

Esparza underwent shoulder surgery in mid-2015 and subsequently was out of action for the rest of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/6/22/8827749/carla-esparza-to-be-sidelined-for-six-to-eight-months-after-shoulder|title=Carla Esparza to be sidelined for six to eight months after shoulder surgery|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondo|date=2015-06-22|accessdate=2015-06-22}}

File:Carla Esparza.png Weigh-In]]

Esparza returned at UFC 197 on April 23, 2016, defeating Juliana Lima via unanimous decision. Esparza, who stepped in for Jessica Aguilar, noted, "I took this fight semi-last minute, and I kind of wanted it that way too. Even though I wasn't in the best shape I wanted to be, I just kind of wanted to avoid the stress of a long camp." She also stated, "It's a huge relief off my shoulders to go out there and get my hand raised."{{cite news|author=Dan Stupp|title=Ex-champ Carla Esparza discusses why she nixed media, full camp prior to UFC 197 win |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/ex-champ-carla-esparza-discusses-why-she-nixed-media-full-camp-prior-to-ufc-197-win|work=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-04-24|accessdate=2016-07-16}}

Esparza next faced Randa Markos on February 19, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Browne. She lost the fight via controversial split decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/02/ufc-fight-night-105s-randa-markos-victory-speech-on-bullying-directed-at-carla-esparza|title=UFC Fight Night 105's Randa Markos: Victory speech on bullying directed at Carla Esparza|date=2017-02-20|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-06-26|language=en-US}} 19 of 23 media outlets scored the fight 29-28 for Esparza.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/7796/Randa-Markos-vs-Carla-Esparza|title=MMADecisions.com|website=MMADecisions.com|access-date=2017-12-27}}

Esparza faced Maryna Moroz on June 25, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 112. She won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/06/ufc-fight-night-112-results-carla-esparza-uses-exquisite-takedowns-to-dominate-maryna-moroz|title=UFC Fight Night 112 results: Carla Esparza uses exquisite takedowns to dominate Maryna Moroz|date=2017-06-26|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-06-26|language=en-US}}

Esparza faced Cynthia Calvillo on December 30, 2017 at UFC 219.{{cite web|url=http://www.fightline.com/first-three-fights-announced-ufc-219/|title=First three fights announced for UFC 219|publisher=fightline.com|author=Dana Becker|accessdate=2017-09-27|date=2017-09-27}} She won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/12/carla-esparza-hands-cynthia-calvillo-first-loss-upset-ufc-219-results|title=UFC 219 results: Ex-champ Carla Esparza hands Cynthia Calvillo first career loss in upset|date=2017-12-31|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-12-31|language=en-US}}

Esparza faced Cláudia Gadelha on June 9, 2018 at UFC 225.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/02/carla-esparza-claudia-gadelha-ufc-225-chicago|title=Carla Esparza vs. Claudia Gadelha announced for UFC 225 in Chicago|date=2018-02-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-02-15|language=en-US}} She lost the fight via split decision.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-225-results-claudia-gadelha-survives-early-trouble-outpoints-carla-esparza-much-to-crowds-dismay|title=UFC 225 results: Claudia Gadelha survives early trouble, outpoints Carla Esparza, much to crowd's dismay|date=2018-06-10|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-06-10|language=en-US}}

Esparza faced Tatiana Suarez on September 8, 2018 at UFC 228.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/strawweightclash-tussen-carla-esparza-en-tatiana-suarez-tijdens-ufc-228-in-dallas/|title=Strawweightclash tussen Carla Esparza en Tatiana Suarez tijdens UFC 228 in Dallas|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|website=mmadna.nl|date=18 July 2018|language=nl|access-date=2023-10-23}} Esparza lost the fight via TKO in the third round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/09/ufc-228-results-tatiana-suarez-stays-perfect-dominates-former-champ-carla-esparza|title=UFC 228 results: Tatiana Suarez stays perfect, dominates former champ Carla Esparza|date=2018-09-09|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-09-09|language=en-US}}

Esparza was scheduled to face Lívia Renata Souza on April 27, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson.{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/the-cookie-monster-treft-the-brazilian-gangster-tijdens-ufc-miami/|title="The Cookie Monster" treft "The Brazilian Gangster" tijdens UFC Miami|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=23 February 2019|language=nl|access-date=2023-10-27}} However, it was reported that Souza pulled out of the bout, citing ankle injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Virna Jandiroba.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/4/4/18295296/invicta-fc-champion-virna-jandiroba-livinha-souza-carla-esparza-ufc-fort-lauderdale|title=Invicta FC champ Virna Jandiroba replaces injured Livinha Souza, meets Carla Esparza at UFC Fort Lauderdale|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=2019-04-04|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2019-04-04}} Esparza won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/04/27/ufc-fort-lauderdale-results-carla-esparza/|title=UFC Fort Lauderdale Results: Carla Esparza Takes Close Fight from Virna Jandiroba|last=Shillan|first=Keith|date=2019-04-27|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-29}}

Esparza faced Alexa Grasso on September 21, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 159.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/07/08/ufc-mexico-city-adds-carla-esparza-vs-alexa-grasso/|title=UFC Mexico City Adds Carla Esparza vs. Alexa Grasso|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-07-08|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-08}} She won the fight via majority decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/09/ufc-mexico-results-carla-esparza-edges-alexa-grasso-scary-armbar|title=UFC on ESPN+ 17 results: Carla Esparza edges Alexa Grasso after armbar scare|date=2019-09-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22}} This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award, the first of her UFC career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-mexico-city-bonuses/|title=UFC Mexico City Bonuses & Attendance Revealed • MMA News|last=Fernando Quiles Jr|date=2019-09-22|website=MMA News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-22}}

Esparza was scheduled to face Michelle Waterson on April 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/08/ufc-announces-dates-portland-oregon-oklahoma-city-events/|title=UFC Announces Dates for Portland, Oregon and Oklahoma City Events|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-02-08|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-09}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-03-16}} and the bout eventually took place on May 9, 2020 at UFC 249.{{Cite web|title=REVISED – UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje Fight Card {{!}} MMAWeekly.com|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-249-khabib-vs-ferguson-fight-card|date=2020-04-27|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-03}} She won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|title=UFC 249 Results: Carla Esparza Takes Close Decision From Michelle Waterson|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/09/ufc-249-results-carla-esparza/|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2020-05-09|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-10}}

On June 3, 2020, Esparza's manager announced that she had signed a new four-fight deal with the UFC.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/6/3/21279906/carla-esparza-faces-marina-rodriguez-in-july-after-inking-new-four-fight-deal-with-ufc|title=Carla Esparza faces Marina Rodriguez in July after inking new four-fight deal with UFC|last1=Martin |first1=Damon|last2=Cruz|first2=Guilherme|website=MMA Fighting|date=June 3, 2020}}

Esparza was expected to face Marina Rodriguez on July 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 172.{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2020-06-03|title=Carla Esparza faces Marina Rodriguez in July after inking new four-fight deal with UFC|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/6/3/21279906/carla-esparza-faces-marina-rodriguez-in-july-after-inking-new-four-fight-deal-with-ufc|access-date=2020-06-11|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} However the bout was cancelled after one of Rodriguez's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|date=2020-07-03|title=Marina Rodriguez vs. Carla Esparza off of July 15 UFC event due to positive COVID-19 test|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/7/3/21312678/marina-rodriguez-carla-esparza-off-ufc-251-covid-19|access-date=2020-07-04|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}} The pair eventually fought at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 26, 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-05|title=Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez reset for July 25 UFC show in Abu Dhabi|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/07/carla-esparza-vs-marina-rodriguez-rebooked-july-ufc-abu-dhabi-fight-island-coronavirus|access-date=2020-07-06|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}} Esparza won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=2020-07-25|title=UFC Fight Island 3 Results: Carla Esparza Edges Out Marina Rodriguez|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/07/25/ufc-fight-island-3-results-carla-esparza-vs-marina-rodriguez/|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Esparza was expected to face Amanda Ribas on December 12, 2020 at UFC 256.{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-planeja-duelo-entre-amanda-ribas-e-carla-esparza-para-o-ufc-256-em-dezembro.ghtmll|title=UFC sets duel between Amanda Ribas and Carla Esparza for UFC 256 in December|author=Staff|date=2020-09-09|website=sportv.globo.com|access-date=2020-09-09}}{{in lang|pt}} However on October 9, it was announced that Esparza was pulled due to undisclosed reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/10/9/21509569/carla-esparza-out-ufc-256-fight-amanda-ribas|title=Carla Esparza no longer fighting Amanda Ribas at UFC 256|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz, Damon Martin, and Mike Heck|date=2020-10-09|access-date=2020-10-09}}

Esparza faced Yan Xiaonan on May 22, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 188.{{Cite web|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=2021-02-27|title=BREAKING: Yan Xiaonan en Carla Esparza treffen elkaar op 22 mei|url=https://mmadna.nl/breaking-yan-xiaonan-en-carla-esparza-treffen-elkaar-op-22-mei/|access-date=2023-10-27|website=MMA DNA|language=nl}} She won the bout via TKO after dominating Yan on the ground throughout the bout.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2021-05-22|title=UFC Vegas 27 Results: Carla Esparza Mauls Yan Xiaonan, Gets Stoppage|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/05/22/ufc-vegas-27-results-carla-esparza/|access-date=2021-05-23|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|last=Haynes|first=Stephie|date=2021-05-22|title=UFC Vegas 27 post-fight bonuses: Esparza KO's Xiaonan for POTN honors|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/5/22/22448670/ufc-vegas-27-post-fight-bonuses-carla-esparza-kos-xiaonan-for-potn-honors|access-date=2021-05-23|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}}

Esparza faced Rose Namajunas in a rematch for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship on May 7, 2022 at UFC 274.{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2022-03-16 |title=Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2 set for UFC 274 co-main event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/16/22982204/rose-namajunas-vs-carla-esparza-2-set-for-ufc-274-co-main-event |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Esparza won a largely uneventful fight by split decision to claim the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship for a second time. Alongside the UFC 248 main event, it was widely regarded as one of the most boring UFC title fights of all time.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-08 |title=Carla Esparza edges Rose Namajunas in major snoozefest at UFC 274 |url=https://empiresportsmedia.com/mma/carla-esparza-edges-rose-namajunas-in-major-snoozefest-at-ufc-274/ |access-date=2022-05-08 |website=Empire Sports Media |language=en-US}} With the victory, Esparza set a record for longest time between UFC title reigns by any fighter, male or female, at 2,612 days.{{cite web | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-274-carla-esparza-rose-namajunas-strawweight-champion-043924680.html# | title=UFC 274: Carla Esparza captures strawweight crown with unwatchable win over Rose Namajunas | date=8 May 2022 }}

In her first defense, Esparza faced Zhang Weili on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2022-08-18 |title=Carla Esparza to defend strawweight title against Zhang Weili at UFC 281 |url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/8/18/23311558/carla-esparza-to-defend-strawweight-title-against-zhang-weili-at-ufc-281 |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} She lost the bout and the belt by way of a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-11-13 |title=UFC 281: Zhang Weili Impresses, Regains Title by Submitting Carla Esparza |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/11/13/ufc-281-zhang-weili-regains-title-by-choking-out-carla-esparza/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Esparza faced Tecia Pennington on October 5, 2024 at UFC 307.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/08/ufc-307-news-carla-esparza-announces-retirement-fight-women-mma-champion-salt-lake-city|title=Former champ Carla Esparza says UFC 307 vs. Tecia Pennington is her retirement fight|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=MMA Junkie Staff|date=2024-08-02|access-date=2024-08-02}} She lost the fight by unanimous decision and retired after the bout.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/05/ufc-307-tecia-pennington-gets-nod-on-scorecards-over-retiring-carla-esparza/|title=UFC 307: Tecia Pennington Gets Nod on Scorecards Over Retiring Carla Esparza|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-10-05|access-date=2024-10-05}}

Esparza stepped up on short notice to replace Rose Namajunas in a grappling match against Danielle Kelly at Fury Pro Grappling 3 on December 30, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/carla-esparza-replaces-rose-namajunas-at-fury-pro-grappling-3/|title=Carla Esparza Replaces Rose Namajunas at Fury Pro Grappling 3|date=29 December 2021}} After a tough match, Esparza slammed Kelly from full guard and the resulting clash of heads opened up a cut above Esparza's eyebrow. The doctors attending called the match off and the victory was awarded to Kelly as a result of the injury.{{Cite web|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/carla-esparza-replaces-rose-namajunas-at-fury-pro-grappling-3/|title=Carla Esparza Replaces Rose Namajunas at Fury Pro Grappling 3|date=29 December 2021}}

Esparza is known for powerful wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.{{cite news|author=Dave Reno|title=UFC 197: Carla Esparza dominates Juliana Lima after over a year away from the cage|url=http://fightbooth.com/ufc-197-esparza-lima/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424081009/http://fightbooth.com/ufc-197-esparza-lima/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 24, 2016|work=fightbooth.com|date=2016-04-23|accessdate=2016-07-16}} On the mat, she often mounts an opponent and controls her with strikes while seeking submissions.{{cite news|author=Todd Martin|title=UFC 197 results: Jon Jones defeats Ovince St. Preux by unanimous decision|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-live-updates-ufc-197-20160423-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2016-04-23|accessdate=2016-07-16}} While standing, she typically clinches and attacks with punches, knees and elbows.{{cite news|author=Elias Cepeda|title=TUF Finale Recap: Esparza becomes first UFC strawweight champ with submission win|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/tuf-finale-live-blog-esparza-vs-namajunas-121214|work=Fox Sports|date=2014-12-12|accessdate=2016-07-16}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Women's Strawweight Championship (Two times; first)
• Longest time between title reigns in UFC history (2,612 days)
• The Ultimate Fighter 20 Tournament Winner
• Fight of the Night (One time) {{small| vs. Alexa Grasso}}
• Performance of the Night (Two times) {{small| vs. Rose Namajunas 1 and Yan Xiaonan}}
• Tied (Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Jéssica Andrade, Mackenzie Dern & Zhang Weili) for third most wins in the UFC Women's Strawweight division history (10)
• Fifth most bouts in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (16)
• Most takedowns landed in the UFC Women's Strawweight division history (48)
• Tied (Yan Xiaonan, Tatiana Suarez & Loopy Godinez) for the second longest win streak in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (6){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=WSW|title=UFC Fighter Stats - Women's Strawweight|author=UFC|publisher=UFC|date=November 11, 2023}}
• Most split decision wins in the UFC Women's Strawweight division history (3)
• UFC.com Awards
• 2014: Ranked #10 Newcomer of the Year {{small|(Tied with Paige VanZant & Henry Cejudo)}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-newcomers-2014|title=Top Ten - The Newcomers of 2014|date=December 22, 2014|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2017: Ranked #9 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Cynthia Calvillo}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-biggest-upsets-2017|title=The Top Ten Biggest Upsets of 2017|date=January 3, 2018|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2022: Half-Year Awards: Biggest Upset of the 1HY{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/upsets-2022-half-year-awards-esparza-france-sterling-henry-tuivasa|title=The Upsets - 2022 Half-Year Awards|date=July 6, 2022|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #2 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Rose Namajunas 2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/upsets-2022-ufc-com-awards|title=The Upsets - 2022 UFC.com Awards|date=21 December 2022|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• Invicta FC
• Invicta FC Strawweight Championship (One time; first)
• [http://combatpress.com/ Combat Press]
• 2014 Female Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=http://combatpress.com/2014/12/combat-press-2014-mma-awards-female-fighter-of-the-year-carla-esparza/|title=Combat Press 2014 MMA Awards: Female Fighter of the Year – Carla Esparza|author=Amber Boone|work=Combat Press|date=22 June 2023 }}
• MMAWeekly.com
• 2014 Female Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/mmaweekly-2014-female-fighter-of-the-year-carla-esparza|title=MMAWeekly 2014 Female Fighter of the Year: Carla Esparza|work=mmaweekly.com|date=5 January 2015 }}

• Pan-American Championship
• 2013 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship - Silver medalist, female blue belt featherweight{{Cite web |title=Results Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2013 |url=https://www.ibjjfdb.com/ChampionshipResults/162/PublicResults |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=www.ibjjfdb.com}}

Esparza is of Mexican, Ecuadorian and Irish descent.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CarlaEsparza1/status/533660698723622912|title=For those asking about my nationality, I am Ecuadorian, Irish, and Mexican|accessdate=2014-12-13}} She married her husband Matthew Lomeli in May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/story/2022-05-15/something-new-ufcs-carla-esparza-weds-after-winning-title-fight|title=Something New|website=Los Angeles Times |date=15 May 2022 |accessdate=2022-05-15}} In March 2023, Esparza announced she was pregnant with the couple's first child.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Carla-Esparza-Announces-Pregnancy-Targets-UFC-Return-in-2024-189525|title=Carla Esparza announces pregnancy, targets UFC return in 2024|website=Sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2023-03-26|access-date=2023-03-28}} Their first child, a son, was born in late September 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Former-2Time-UFC-Strawweight-Queen-Carla-Esparza-Announces-Birth-of-Son-191215|title=Former 2-Time UFC Strawweight Queen Carla Esparza Announces Birth of Son|date=September 28, 2023|work=Sherdog|author=Sayan Nag}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=4

|sub-wins=4

|dec-wins=11

|ko-losses=2

|sub-losses=2

|dec-losses=4

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|19–8

|Tecia Pennington

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 307

|{{dts|2024|October|5}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|19–7

|Zhang Weili

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 281

|{{dts|2022|November|12}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:05

|New York City, New York, United States

|{{small|Lost the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–6

|Rose Namajunas

|Decision (split)

|UFC 274

|{{dts|2022|May|07}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|{{small|Won the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–6

|Yan Xiaonan

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt

|{{dts|2021|May|22}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:58

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–6

|Marina Rodriguez

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till

|{{dts|2020|July|26}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–6

|Michelle Waterson

|Decision (split)

|UFC 249

|{{dts|2020|May|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–6

|Alexa Grasso

|Decision (majority)

|UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens

|{{dts|2019|September|21}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Mexico City, Mexico

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–6

|Virna Jandiroba

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson

|{{dts|2019|April|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Sunrise, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–6

|Tatiana Suarez

|TKO (punches and elbows)

|UFC 228

|{{dts|2018|September|8}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:33

|Dallas, Texas, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–5

|Cláudia Gadelha

|Decision (split)

|UFC 225

|{{dts|2018|June|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Chicago, Illinois, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–4

|Cynthia Calvillo

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 219

|{{dts|2017|December|30}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Calvillo tested positive for marijuana metabolites.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–4

|Maryna Moroz

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs. Lee

|{{dts|2017|June|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|11–4

|Randa Markos

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Browne

|{{dts|2017|February|19}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align="center"|11–3

|Juliana Lima

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 197

|{{dts|2016|April|23}}

|align="center"|3

|align="center"|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align="center"|10–3

|Joanna Jędrzejczyk

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 185

|{{dts|2015|March|14}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:17

|Dallas, Texas, United States

|{{small|Lost the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 10–2

| Rose Namajunas

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale

| {{dts|2014|December|12}}

|align="center" | 3

|align="center" | 1:26

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won the inaugural UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Won The Ultimate Fighter 20 Women's Strawweight Tournament. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 9–2

| Bec Rawlings

| Decision (unanimous)

| Invicta FC 4: Esparza vs. Hyatt

| {{dts|2013|January|5}}

|align="center" | 5

|align="center" | 5:00

| Kansas City, Kansas, United States

| {{small|Won the inaugural Invicta FC Strawweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 8–2

| Lynn Alvarez

| TKO (punches)

| Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama

| {{dts|2012|October|6}}

|align="center" | 1

|align="center" | 2:53

| Kansas City, Kansas, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 7–2

| Sarah Schneider

| TKO (punches)

| Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann

| {{dts|2012|July|28}}

|align="center" | 2

|align="center" | 4:28

| Kansas City, Kansas, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 6–2

| Felice Herrig

| Decision (unanimous)

| XFC 15: Tribute

| {{dts|2011|December|2}}

|align="center" | 3

|align="center" | 5:00

| Tampa, Florida, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

|align="center" | 5–2

| Jessica Aguilar

| Decision (split)

| Bellator 46

| {{dts|2011|June|25}}

|align="center" | 3

|align="center" | 5:00

| Hollywood, Florida, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 5–1

| Yadira Anzaldua

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| ECSC: Friday Night Fights 3

| {{dts|2011|April|15}}

|align="center" | 1

|align="center" | 0:53

| Clovis, New Mexico, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 4–1

| Nina Ansaroff

| Decision (split)

| Crowbar MMA: Winter Brawl

| {{dts|2010|December|10}}

|align="center" | 3

|align="center" | 5:00

| |Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

|align="center" | 3–1

| Megumi Fujii

| Submission (armbar)

| Bellator 24

| {{dts|2010|August|12}}

|align="center" | 2

|align="center" | 0:57

| Hollywood, Florida, United States

| {{small|Bellator Season 3 Women's Flyweight (115 lb) Tournament Quarterfinals.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 3–0

| Lacey Schuckman

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| NMEF Ladies Night: Clash of the Titans 8

| {{dts|2010|July|16}}

|align="center" | 2

|align="center" | 2:37

| Castle Rock, Colorado, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 2–0

| Karina Hallinan

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Long Beach Fight Night 8

| {{dts|2010|April|18}}

|align="center" | 2

|align="center" | 2:16

| Long Beach, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

|align="center" | 1–0

| Cassie Trost

| TKO (punches)

| Respect in the Cage 3

| {{dts|2010|February|19}}

|align="center" | 1

|align="center" | 0:48

| Pomona, California, United States

|

{{end}}

{{MMA exhibition record box

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 0

| ko-losses= 0

| sub-wins= 1

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins= 2

| dec-losses= 0

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

| Jessica Penne

| Decision (unanimous)

| rowspan=3|The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned

|{{dts|2014|December|10}} (airdate)

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|rowspan=3|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|TUF 20 Semifinal round}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

| Tecia Torres

| Decision (majority)

|{{dts|2014|December|03}} (airdate)

|align=center|2

|align=center|5:00

|{{small|TUF 20 Quarterfinal round}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

| Angela Hill

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

|{{dts|2014|October|01}} (airdate)

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:42

|{{small|TUF 20 Elimination round}}

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Carla-Esparza-63410|title=Carla|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-09-14}}

• List of female mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

• {{Sherdog|63410}}
• {{UFC|carla-esparza}}
• [https://invictafc.com/portfolio-item/carla-esparza/ Carla Esparza] at Invicta FC
• [http://www.awakeningfighters.com/athletes/carla-esparz Carla Esparza Awakening Profile]

{{S-start}}

{{S-ach}}

{{Succession box

| title = 7th UFC Women's Strawweight Championship

| years = May 7, 2022 – November 12, 2022

| before = Rose Namajunas

| after = Zhang Weili

}}

{{Succession box

| title = 1st UFC Women's Strawweight Championship

| years = December 12, 2014 – March 14, 2015

| before = New championship

| after = Joanna Jędrzejczyk

}}

{{Succession box

| title = 1st Invicta FC Strawweight Champion

| years = January 5, 2013 – December 11, 2013

| before = New championship

| after = Katja Kankaanpää

}}

{{S-end}}

{{UFC Women's Strawweight Championship}}

{{UFC Women's pound-for-pound Rankings}}

{{UFC Women's Strawweight Rankings}}

{{The Ultimate Fighter}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Esparza, Carla}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Martial artists from Torrance, California

Category:American female mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from California

Category:American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent

Category:Strawweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Living people

Category:Menlo College alumni

Category:American people of Irish descent

Category:American people of Ecuadorian descent

Category:American people of Mexican descent

Category:Sportspeople of Ecuadorian descent

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship female fighters

Category:American female sport wrestlers

Category:Amateur wrestlers

Category:American female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

Category:21st-century American women

Category:Redondo Union High School alumni