M. Rodriguez weighing in for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Responsible for trying to end the invincibility of Amanda ribas in Ultimate, Marina Rodriguez seems to know where to start. Rival of Minas Gerais in UFC 257, which takes place this Saturday (23), in Abu Dhabi, the Gaucho recognizes the qualities of her opponent, but says she knows the steps to leave the octagon with a victory this weekend.
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“She (Amanda) is a complete MMA athlete. She has a stand-up game, a grappling game, jiu-jitsu, but of course we see the gaps. That's what our fighting strategy worked on. On top of her gaps and my strengths. We put it into practice based on her flawed game there. (…) It’s going to be a really cool fight,” said Rodriguez, in an interview with ‘Combate’.
Without hiding the game, Marina revealed part of her plan for the duel against Ribas. For the Gaucho, there are some situations that could give her an advantage in one of the most anticipated clashes by Brazilians on Saturday's show.
“There are two ways: the first, of course, is to make my hand touch it, touch it in the right place, in the crosshairs, to knock it out. The second way is for her to think that I don’t have the ground skills, and I manage to put a submission into play,” she said.
Recently, Amanda revealed that she would be willing to exchange strength on the feet with Rodriguez, who specializes in muay thai. Upon learning of the statement, Marina mocked her rival's speech, but provoked it, saying she was willing to test her opponent.
“I don't really believe that she will pay to see it, but if she does, it will certainly be a great fight, and the public will benefit from it. But we are well connected, we know that someone wanting to invest where their strong point is not is not one of the best alternatives. But if it comes, it can come, but come with desire and it will certainly be a great fight”, he concluded.
Both Rodriguez and Ribas are Brazilian promises for the category led by Weili Zhang. While the team from Rio Grande do Sul is coming off a draw and a defeat, the Minas Gerais team continues to rise in the organization, with positive results since its debut.
Today, Marina is seventh in the strawweight rankings (up to 52,1kg). Amanda is close behind, in 10th.
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