After achieving a great victory over Amanda ribas No. UFC 257, the sky is the limit for Marina Rodriguez. Brazilian promise in the strawweight division (up to 52,1kg), the gaucho took another step towards a future title fight. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the fighter spoke about her triumph and projected new challenges within Ultimate.
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In the confrontation against Ribas, in the spectacle that was marked as one of the most watched in the history of Ultimate, Rodriguez entered as the underdog in the Brazilian duel. The gaucho, however, silenced her critics by brutalizing her compatriot with a knockout in the second round.
Was there contempt?
No UFC 257, Marina took on the challenge of exchanging forces against Amanda, who was undefeated in the organization and gained popularity with each commitment. Discredited by the bookmakers, the gaucho revealed whether the 'hype' about her opponent was something that bothered her.
“Actually, it didn’t (bother). We talk because many supporters and fans – on my side and even on Amanda's side – complained, because it was very messy. How much they talked about Amanda and didn't say my name. There were people who didn't know me yet and asked: 'Is she American? Who is she?'. It's definitely not something that bothered me pre-fight. (…) We’re going to show it inside the Octagon. (…) It didn’t affect me much. It just gave me more motivation,” she said.
Double-knockout
When the day of the fight arrived, Marina would be in the spotlight of MMA fans and a show could put her in an even more prominent position within her division. In the clash, then, the gaucho not only won and convinced, but she did it in an emblematic way, as she had to knock out Ribas twice as a result of a supposed early interruption by Herb Dean. After the triumph, Rodriguez was as excited as ever and explained the effusive celebration in the Octagon.
“I had already been knocked out, I had already gone out to celebrate. When I looked, Herb Dean was looking at me and decided to say no (he hadn't interrupted), I came back, in my concentration, I knocked him out again and left screaming. 'Now, yes, I finished the fight'”, said Marina.
Consequence of the show
When you are in the elite of a division, each victory counts as an important step in the climb towards group champion. With the positive result over an opponent that is in the spotlight, Rodriguez is fully convinced that the eyes on her will be different. The athlete then spoke about what she expects for her next commitments.
“The main thing I think about is visibility, but in the sense of having better opportunities within the organization. (…) Since my first fight in the UFC, they only gave me tough, ranked, experienced athletes. (…) The UFC has always viewed me favorably, regardless of the draws. May you continue to see me with good eyes and give me the best opportunities”, he clarified.
Next Steps
Without choosing an opponent, Marina knows that, to reach the top, she will have to face the best in the division, as she is closer than ever to the top 5. The athlete then evaluated possible opponents for her sequence within the organization.
“Definitely, the champion (Weili Zhang) is a complete athlete, very tough, but she is not invincible. Carla esparza, I believe that we will meet, not now, but for the belt. (…) Joanna Jedrzejczyk It's also a very interesting fight for me. I believe we would fight on our feet. (…) There is Yan (Xiaonan), number three in the ranking. We are waiting. She is a possible next opponent. It’s going to be a very tough fight,” she concluded.
At 33 years old, today, Marina occupies sixth place in the category ranking. Professional in MMA since 2015, the gaúcha has 13 wins, one loss and two draws on her record.
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