Ilima-Lei MacFarlane, also known as “The Ilimanator,” is a five-time Bellator MMA Flyweight Champion. To date, she has an 11-1 record in the ring, so it’s no wonder MMA Junkie named her “Breakthrough Fighter of the Year.”

After joining a gym in college to get in shape, MacFarlane got really into cross-fit training. Little did she know, this hobby would turn her into one of the biggest mixed martial artists in the world. She ditched her gym to train with the San Diego Combat Academy and started performing MMA at the amateur level. During her whole amateur career, she remained undefeated.

For her professional debut, MacFarlane beat her opponent by a landslide, and the fight went viral. After earning millions of views on YouTube, the match was even shown on various TV breakfast programs. It was this fight that led her to a contract with Bellator MMA. From then on, she became the Flyweight Champion, and defended that title over and over. These victories meant that she also had the most wins from any female in Bellator, most female stoppage wins, and most wins in the history of the Bellator flyweight division. With a track record like this, Bellator extended her contract for five more years.

With the wealth and fame she’s garnered during her MMA career, MacFarlane gives back to her community: she started offering an “Ilimanator” Scholarship to young indigenous women between the ages of 12-19 for a world-class education that’s centered around native culture. Additionally, she’s mentored clinics for groups like InterTribal Youth and Native Like Water.