Jessica Rose Clark, widely known as “Jessy“ Jess, is an Australian professional mixed martial artist and striker whose career has spanned top global promotions and multiple combat sports disciplines. Born on November 28, 1987, in Cairns, Queensland, she established herself as a gritty, well-rounded competitor in the women’s flyweight and bantamweight divisions. By early 2026, at age 38, Clark is recognized not only for her time in the UFC but also for her transition into striking-focused sports following her MMA run.
Journey of Jessica Rose Clark
Clark signed with the UFC in 2017 and made an immediate impact, debuting with a win over fellow Australian Bec Rawlings that showcased her composed striking and resilience under pressure. She followed this with a notable unanimous decision victory over Paige VanZant in 2018, a performance that elevated her profile and highlighted her technical stand-up and durability against a popular, high-paced opponent. Throughout her UFC tenure, she built a reputation as a tough, hard-nosed fighter willing to face elite competition.
Her UFC record closed at 4-5-0 (with some listings noting a 4-5-0, 1 no contest slate), reflecting a run against strong opposition in both flyweight and bantamweight. Clark faced seasoned contenders such as Jessica Eye and Pannie Kianzad, as well as later grappling-heavy setbacks via submission to Stephanie Egger, Julija Stoliarenko, and Tainara Lisboa, the latter marking her final UFC bout in May 2023. Despite the mixed results, her fights consistently displayed her heart, pressure, and willingness to trade.
Following her release from the UFC in 2023, Clark pivoted toward striking-centric disciplines, leaning into her background as a stand-up fighter. She began focusing on Muay Thai, kickboxing, and a hybrid ruleset known as “Dirty Boxing,” which emphasizes punches in the clinch and is promoted by Mike Perry. This shift allowed her to showcase her boxing, elbows, and clinch work in formats tailored to her strengths and experience.
As of late 2025, Clark’s next major chapter is set in the Dirty Boxing arena. She is scheduled to headline Dirty Boxing 5 on January 30, 2026, in Houston, Texas, where she will challenge Paula Bittencourt for the vacant DBX Women’s Bantamweight title. This main-event opportunity underscores her enduring star power and competitive drive, positioning “Jessy Jess” for a potential championship run in a new combat sports frontier while affirming her status as one of Australia’s most resilient and versatile female fighters.
