Strawweights run it back in Sin City.
Part II
Two years after their first encounter at UFC Vegas 26, #8 contender Marina Rodriguez meets Michelle Waterson-Gomez once more at UFC Vegas 79.
‘The Karate Hottie’ will look for redemption in her first-ever rematch as Rodriguez defeated her by decision in 2021.
Both Rodriguez and Waterson-Gomez will try their best to get back in the win column after back-to-back losses in the Octagon.
Round 1:
Waterson-Gomez quickly gets a double-leg takedown on Rodriguez. Waterson-Gomez establishes top control with Rodriguez punching her from her back. Waterson-Gomez stands up but keeps Rodriguez against the cage. Rodriguez works her way back uo and throws knees from inside the clinch. Waterson-Gomez shoots for another takedown, but Rodriguez defends well. Waterson-Gomez lands a knee.
Rodriguez fires knees and then elbows on Waterson-Gomez . Rodriguez lets her hands go which stuns Waterson-Gomez Waitron rushes in for at takedown. Rodriguez bashes Waterson-Gomez with relentless strikes. Rodriguez throws knees to the head. It’s one-way traffic for Rodriguez in the striking department.
The referee pauses the action to have a doctor take a look at Waterson-Gomez’s bloody cuts. The fight continues and Rodriguez pours it on with even more punches. Waterson-Gomez grabs a takedown before the end of the round.
CDS: 10-8 Rodriguez
Round 2:
Waterson enters the clinch with Rodriguez. They exit the clinch as Waterson-Gomez falls to the ground from their exchange. Waterson-Gomez goes into the clinch once again, only to be struck by an aggressive Rodriguez. Waterson-Gomez tries to get the fight to the ground but goes backwards, leaving Rodriguez to mount her. Rodriguez lands ground and pound to finally finish Waterson-Gomez.
Official result: Marina Rodriguez defeats Michelle Waterson-Gomez by TKO (punches) in Round 2 (2:42)
Check out the highlights below:
MAJOR pressure from Marina Rodriguez for the stoppage 💪 #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/vYaYZYATGS
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 24, 2023
PURE DOMINANCE!!!!!! 😳@WMMARZ finishes it in R2! #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/qgSDylMJP7
— UFC (@ufc) September 24, 2023
Put her power on FULL DISPLAY tonight 💥💥💥@WMMARZ is walking away with the TKO win! #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/iFvowzJ94Q
— UFC (@ufc) September 24, 2023
