Throughout the match, commentators continuously brought up Aguilar being ranked the No. 1 fighter in the women’s 115-pound division, in the Unified Women’s MMA Rankings. While she has earned the right to be called the top ranked fighter in the strawweight division, I think it is time for her to leave Bellator – albeit temporarily – and step into the Invicta FC cage to challenge Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza for Invicta FC Strawweight championship, or at the very least challenge Esparzato a cross-promotion super fight.

Carla Esparza celebrates winning the Invicta FC Strawweight championship.
Esther Lin-Invicta FC

Aguilar and Esparza previously met in the Bellator cage, back in 2011. After a competitive match that went three rounds, Jag earned a split-decision over the Cookie Monster, who has not lost a fight since she fought Aguilar.

While Jag has scored some impressive victories over the likes of Vidonic, Megumi Fujii and Lisa Ellis, Esparza has blazed through competitors like Felice Herrig, Sarah Schneider and Lynn Alvarez. The Cookie Monster earned the biggest victory of her career when she defeated Bec Hyatt to capture the Invicta FC 115-pound title back in January.

A rematch between Aguilar and Esparza would not only truly determine who is the top women’s strawweight fighter in the world, but also be an exciting match on the ground, as both fighters have great grappling. Esparza has improved her striking since her fight with Aguilar, which could give her an advantage if she could keep the fight standing. Meanwhile, Aguilar has an advantage when it comes to experience and could endure any hard shots thrown her way.

Whatever the circumstances, a rematch between Aguilar and Esparza could turn into one of the most exciting fights in women’s MMA history.

Who do you think would win between Esparza and Aguilar? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover.

Results after the jump!

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Main Card

Curran defeated Luis Palomino via submission (peruvian neck-tie) at 3:49 of round 1.

Marlon Sandro defeated Genair Da Silva via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).

NazarenonMalegarie defeated Jacob DeVree via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:25 of round 3.

Ronnie Mann defeated Adam Schindler via KO (punches) at 4:14 of round 1.

Local Feature Fights

Jessica Aguilar defeated Carla Esparza via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27).

Tony Johnson defeated Derrick Lewis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Alexandre Bezerra defeated Sam Jones via submission (triangle choke) at 3:27 of round 1.

Daniel Cramer defeated Josh Samman via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).