M. Rodriguez weighing in for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of the Brazilian representatives for the UFC Fight Island 3, which takes place this Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi, Marina Rodriguez is ready for one of the biggest challenges of her career. The athlete will be committed to facing the former strawweight champion (up to 52,1kg.), Carla esparza in one of the most anticipated fights of the show. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the woman from Rio Grande do Sul spoke about her next appointment.
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Undefeated in MMA, Marina is one of the Brazilian promises for the division that is currently dominated by Weili Zhang. The confrontation against the former owner of the belt could propel Rodriguez even further into the category and consolidate her on the radar for a future fight for the title.
Esparza: biggest career challenge?
Reaching her fifth fight for the UFC, Marina has not had an easy life since her debut for the organization. Being cast to face well-known names like Randa markos, Jessica Aguilar, Tecia torres e Cynthia calvillo, the gaúcha will now be face to face against a fighter who could bring her even closer to the division's elite. Rodriguez, however, is not intimidated when it comes to the size of the duel.
“Honestly, I don’t see any pressure in fighting big-name athletes. For us, it is an extra motivation, to overcome such an experienced athlete who is, for example, the Carla esparza. In all my fights in the UFC I only took famous, ranked athletes with big fights on their resume. Entering the UFC to do average fights is not our plan. Regardless of who it is, we will always do our best. (…) The most important fight is always the next one”, said the Brazilian.
Ultimate draws
Although she is undefeated in her career in the UFC, Marina has two draws in her four appearances for the organization. Rodriguez, however, speaks calmly and takes a mature stance when dealing with the results, stating that they did not affect his career plan.
“There is never a feeling of defeat. In fact, deep down, I believe I won my last fight. Winning rounds against great athletes, for us, is a giant evolution”, said the woman from Rio Grande do Sul.
Strategy against Carla
With five knockouts in 12 victories as a professional in mixed martial arts, Marina is known for imposing an intense pace in her challenges. Always moving forward and seeking to launch fulminant attacks, this has been the Brazilian's most defining characteristic. Against Esparza, the gaúcha believes that history will be no different.
“This is a characteristic that is part of my base. Since my amateur fights it has always been like this, being an aggressive athlete. Fight after fight we arrive with a little more calm, trying to connect the most accurate blows. I believe this fight will be the same. We will have Marina who is aggressive, who will move forward, but this time, with more accurate boxing. If the hand touches the right way, we can get a knockout”, analyzed the flyweight.
Plans for future fights
If she emerges victorious this weekend, Rodriguez will move even closer to the top 5 in the division. The Brazilian, however, is cautious and prefers not to suggest a rival for her next appointment. The fighter evaluates the career plan carried out between her, her team and Ultimate during her career in the company.
“Since I joined the UFC, the organization has always given me opponents with big names and expression. I will never ask for an opponent or a title fight. This is coming naturally. The UFC has a cool plan for me. They are taking one step after another. Their decision will be the best for me and the event”, he concluded.
At 33 years old, Marina, this weekend, will reach the mark of 15 appearances since her debut in professional MMA. The athlete currently has 12 wins and two draws in 14 fights. Currently, the Brazilian occupies 9th place in the ranking, while this Saturday's opponent is in 7th.
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