C. Esparza (left) defends M. Rodriguez (right). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Straw champion (up to 52,1kg.), Carla esparza analyzed the category's scenario for its first title defense in the division. In an interview with 'MMA fighting', the fighter defended Marina Rodriguez of possible 'queue jumping' by Weili Zhang and says that the Brazilian deserves the chance to face her.
“I don’t think (Weili Zhang) be (more deserving). I think Marina won five in a row and won the high-level competition. She has stayed active and, for me, she has proven herself. He deserves a title shot. But for some reason I'm sure there's a lot to it and Weili is taking the chance. For me, I fight whoever is in front of me, but it doesn't necessarily mean I think it's fair or it was the right decision as far as the athlete is concerned,” said Carla.
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Esparza and Rodriguez even have a long history in Ultimate. The two athletes faced each other almost two years ago and the American came away with her 'arms raised' in the judges' split decision. Still, she considers that the Brazilian has evolved in her game and has impressed with her quality in the Octagon.
“Every time I watch Marina, I notice that she is getting better and better and beating the best girls. She even managed to knock someone out twice (like she did) in a fight in Amanda ribas. She is impressive. I definitely think she should win the title fight,” she concluded.
At 34 years old, Carla returns to the top of the strawweight division almost eight years after her first victory. In 2014, the North American became the first champion in the history of the division, surpassing, at the time, the same Namajunas. At the UFC 274, the script was similar and she came away with the belt in a split decision from the judges.
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