M. Rodriguez (left) defeated M. Waterson in the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 26. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Confirmed in the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 26 with 11 days until the show, Marina Rodriguez e Michelle Waterson They put on a real show for the spectators. In a confrontation held this Saturday (8), the athletes left everything in the octagon. After almost 25 minutes of frank exchanges, the woman from Rio Grande do Sul was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges.
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Although the fight was held at flyweight (up to 56,7kg), Marina's victory makes the Brazilian gain even more morale in the strawweight division (up to 52,1kg). Current number six in the division rankings led by Rose namajunas, Rodriguez takes an important step towards a future title shot.
The triumph of Rio Grande do Sul confirmed the good phase of Tupiniquim, which had beaten the promising Amanda ribas in the last challenge. Now, the Brazilian has four wins, two draws and one defeat with the Ultimate gloves. The athlete also increased the number of positive results in her career, which now has 14.
Defeated by Rodriguez, she lost the opportunity to get closer to the top 5 in the straws. Today, in ninth place, the North American also failed to achieve her second positive result in a row. Now, the fighter has three setbacks in her last five fights.
The fight
The confrontation began with Waterson taking the initiative with a shot, which went empty. The North American then risked a direct shot, but suffered a hard counterattack, with a cross applied by the Gaucho. After a minute, the athletes started to exchange franks, with Marina having the advantage. Michelle risked a high kick, which touched Rodriguez's head. The Brazilian retaliated with a combination of punches, which forced the American to walk backwards. The Tupiniquim remained precise in its attacks and made its greatest reach count. Near the final minute, the Brazilian tried to frame Michelle against the bars. The North American tried to fend off Marina's attacks with kicks to the waist. In the final seconds, the Brazilian managed to land good blows on her opponent, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, the Brazilian was the first to attack, with a sequence of two high kicks. Waterson responded in kind, but the blow was defended by Marina. Rodriguez continued to score with combinations of punches and kicks. Cornered, the North American tried to take down the Gaucho, but Rodriguez defended herself well. Halfway through the round, Marina surprised her opponent again with a clean cross to the face. The Brazilian continued to have an advantage, being more forceful. Towards the final minute, Michelle started to rely on low kicks, trying to affect the Gaucho's base. Towards the end of the stage, Marina once again advanced against her rival, with straight shots and crosses. Michelle defended herself as best she could, but there was no more time.
The third round began with Waterson risking a low kick. The North American, however, lost her balance and ended up being hit by a high kick from the Brazilian. Michelle grabbed the gaucho and started to press the Tupiniquim against the bars. Rodriguez managed to free himself and continued walking towards his opponent. Almost halfway through the stage, Marina exploded at the North American again, with a combination of punches. With his guard up, Waterson protected himself. Afterwards, the American ended up unbalancing Marina with a low kick. The Brazilian got up quickly, but continued to be hit by her opponent's low kicks. With a new combination of punches, Rodriguez continued to frame his opponent against the bars, but Waterson showed danger in the counterattacks. Dangerous in her attacks, Rodriguez dictated the pace, while Michelle walked backwards. The assault ended with the athletes exchanging blows across the Octagon.
The North American took the initiative in the fourth stage, with a kick to the Brazilian's waistline. Keen on her combinations, Marina continued walking forward and looking for the best moment to attack. Even at a disadvantage, Michelle remained alive in the duel, responding to the Gaucho's attacks with danger. Two minutes later, Waterson took advantage of Marina's oversight and took the duel to the ground. From below, the Brazilian dragged herself to the bars and tried to get up. In an advantageous position, the North American attacked the Tupiniquim with punches and elbows from top to bottom. At a delicate moment, Rodriguez received powerful attacks from the American, who did not allow her opponent to react. The assault ended with the North American attacking the Brazilian.
In the last stage, Michelle again took the initiative with a kick to the Gaucho's waistline. Rodriguez responded with a direct shot, which went empty. With a combination, the North American hit the Brazilian's head with a high kick. Next, Waterson rocked the Brazilian with a kick. Marina felt it, but continued walking forward. Halfway through the round, the Brazilian pressed her rival against the bars, applying a combination of punches. The fight became frank, with the athletes launching attacks with kicks and punches. In the final minute, the fighters slowed down and waited for the best moment to attack. The confrontation ended with the combatants exchanging blows in the center of the octagon.
UFC Las Vegas 26 results
MAIN CARD
Fly weight: Marina Rodriguez derrotou Michelle Waterson in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 48-47, 49-46)
Welterweight Weight: alex morono derrotou Donald Cerrone by technical knockout at 4m40s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Neil Magny derrotou Geoff neal in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Heavyweight: Marcos Foot derrotou Maurice Greene in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
Lightweight: Gregor Gillespie derrotou Carlos Diego Ferreira by technical knockout at 4m51s of R2
Average weight: phil hawes derrotou Kyle Daukaus in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 29-27, 30-26)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Feather weight: Mike Trizano derrotou Ludovit Klein in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Average weight: Jun Yong Park derrotou Tafon Nchukwi in the majority decision of the judges (30-25, 28-28, 29-26)
Welterweight Weight: Carlston Harris submitted Christian Aguilera with a hand triangle at 2m52s of R1
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