Carla Esparza will become a “Cookie Monster” mom in Sept. 2023.
Indeed, Esparza — the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s Strawweight champion — shared the good news of her pregnancy last night (Sat., Mar. 25, 2023) via social media.
“So we’ve been keeping a little secret for the last 14 weeks … we’re expecting,” Esparza wrote. “Baby Cookie Monster. Grand Entrance September 2023. Excited for this next chapter … and hoping to make my return early- to mid-2024.”
So we’ve been keeping a little secret for the last 14 weeks… we’re expecting! Baby Cookie Monster Grand Entrance September 2023
Excited for this next chapter… and hoping to make my return early to mid 2024 pic.twitter.com/rdYp9f2rh5— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) March 26, 2023
Esparza, 35, lost her Strawweight title in her last outing to Zhang Weili via submission at UFC 281 inside Madison Square Garden in Nov. 2022 (watch highlights). The loss snapped her six-fight win streak, during which she defeated Rosa Namaujas (in a snoozer), battered Yan Xiaonan (watch highlights), and picked up decision wins over Marina Rodriguez, Michelle Waterson, Alexa Grasso and Virna Jandiroba.
“Cookie Monster” — who won the inaugural women’s 115-pound strap back in 2014 — is currently ranked No. 1 in the division and plans for a 2024 return. Obviously, the division will look different in a year, so she can take her time and enjoy the time away with her growing family.
From everyone at MMAmania.com … congrats Carla!