Elise Reed

Elise Caroline Reed is an American mixed martial artist and active-duty U.S. Army officer who competes in the Women's Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Born on December 5, 1992, she stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 115 pounds. Her career distinguishes her from most fighters through her dual role as a commissioned military officer and a professional athlete.

Reed brings a unique athletic background to the octagon, having previously competed at the NCAA Division I level in swimming and water polo. This history provided her with elite cardiovascular endurance and body control that she now applies to her striking-heavy fighting style. As of 2026, she maintains a professional record of 8 wins and 5 losses while balancing high-level combat sports with significant service obligations to the United States. [edit]

Before stepping into the professional MMA cage, Elise Reed built her foundation on the pool deck and the taekwondo mat. She excelled in collegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level, where she honed her skills in swimming and water polo. This specific background gave her a distinct advantage in conditioning and breath control, traits that are often lacking in fighters who rely solely on traditional grappling or boxing training.

Her martial arts journey began much earlier than her professional debut. Reed started training in taekwondo at a young age, eventually accumulating over two decades of experience in the discipline. This early start shaped her technical striking approach, emphasizing precision kicks and footwork over raw power. Before signing with the UFC, she spent years refining her craft in regional promotions across the East Coast circuit. These amateur bouts allowed her to test her water polo-forged stamina against seasoned opponents while establishing a reputation for resilience and tactical discipline. [edit]

Elise Reed made her professional MMA debut in 2019, marking a clear transition from amateur competition to the pro stage. She quickly built a name for herself in regional promotions, gaining traction throughout the East Coast fighting scene. A pivotal moment arrived in April 2022 following a victory in London, where she publicly stated that she finally felt like a true UFC fighter. That sentiment proved accurate as she secured her spot in the world's premier organization shortly after.

Since joining the UFC roster, Reed has faced the logistical challenges of balancing a demanding military schedule with a rigorous fight camp. She competed at UFC Vegas 74 in 2023, where she discussed the patience required to manage both her career and her service duties. Her fighting style remains defined by her taekwondo roots, utilizing a reach of 36 inches to land technical strikes from range. As of mid-2026, she holds a professional record of 8 wins and 5 losses, with two of those victories coming by way of knockout or TKO. [edit]

Reed projects an image of disciplined professionalism that blends military grit with athletic grace. Her social media voice is characterized by motivational quotes and updates on training, avoiding the flashy lifestyle often seen in other combat sports circles. She is known for a clean-cut appearance and a demeanor that emphasizes respect and honor. Media outlets frequently highlight her dual identity as a soldier and a fighter, framing her as a symbol of dedication and hard work rather than just a competitor. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While she commands respect within the MMA community, she does not currently hold a published ranking in global fame metrics. Her audience consists largely of dedicated martial arts enthusiasts, military supporters, and followers of the women's strawweight division. Fans typically refer to themselves simply as 'Elise Reed supporters' or general MMA fans, as there is no officially recognized fandom name attached to her brand. Her fanbase is niche but deeply loyal, driven by admiration for her unique path and her ability to balance two demanding careers. [edit]

Reed is one of the few UFC fighters to have played water polo at the NCAA Division I level before turning to combat sports. Her time in the pool developed a lung capacity and core strength that commentators frequently cite when analyzing her stamina in later rounds. She owns and operates Kickside Martial Arts, a gym she founded in 2018 that focuses on mindset coaching alongside physical training. Unlike many athletes who rely on existing gyms, she built her own business infrastructure while still an active competitor. Her social media presence heavily features themes of leadership and discipline, reflecting her identity as a military officer rather than just a celebrity fighter. [edit]

Specific details about Elise Reed's parents or siblings remain private, likely due to her status as an active-duty military officer which often restricts public disclosure of family information for security reasons. She resides in Princeton, New Jersey, where she trains and fights out of her home base. Beyond her immediate circle, she maintains a close connection to the military community, often sharing content that honors service members. There are no public records indicating she has children or a spouse, as she keeps her personal life separate from her public persona. [edit]

Shanelle Dyer, UFC, Kickside Martial Arts, U.S. Army[edit]

Public information regarding Elise Reed's romantic life is extremely scarce. Unlike many celebrities, she maintains a highly private personal life, a choice likely influenced by her status as an active-duty military officer. Security protocols and operational requirements for soldiers often restrict public disclosure of personal relationships to protect their safety and mission integrity.

There are no verified records of marriages, engagements, or long-term public partnerships in credible media sources up to 2026. No tabloid reports or credible outlets have confirmed any dating history during her rise in the UFC. As of 2026, Elise Reed is single. She has not publicly announced a partner, and her social media presence focuses exclusively on training, military service, and business ventures. There are also no public records indicating she has children. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Elise Reed's net worth at approximately $360,000 as of 2026. This figure reflects the combined income streams of her military salary, UFC fight purses, and revenue from her martial arts gym. Unlike top-tier superstars who earn millions in bonuses and endorsements, Reed's wealth is derived from stable, moderate sources typical of mid-tier fighters and officers.

Her primary financial foundation comes from her role as a commissioned U.S. Army officer. While exact military pay figures vary based on rank and time in service, an officer's salary provides a significant and steady income stream that is not subject to the volatility of fight night earnings. In addition to her military pay, she receives disclosed purses from the UFC for each bout, along with potential win bonuses and performance awards. These amounts fluctuate depending on her opponent and the event, but they contribute meaningfully to her overall assets.

A third pillar of her wealth is Kickside Martial Arts, the gym she established in 2018. Operating her own business allows her to generate independent revenue through training fees and mindset coaching sessions. This entrepreneurial venture provides a safety net and financial growth outside the octagon. She has minimal commercial endorsements compared to mainstream celebrities, focusing instead on local sponsorships and gear partnerships relevant to her martial arts practice. [edit]