For some time, the title of UFC on ABC's next female flyweight champion has been in dispute. With many talented women in the octagon, it seems that the winner will be decided in the fights to come. How do you decide which women will make it to the final cut? Jessica Penne, Claudia Gadelha, Araya Sage Gomez, Michelle Waterson, and others? Read on to learn more. This article will give details about these women as well as possible opponents.
Claudia Gadelha
Following back-to-back defeats, Claudia Gadelha and Michelle Waterson have now agreed to a main event matchup at UFC 233. The bout will take places in New York City on May 10. The main event will be Waterson's third in the UFC. Waterson will also be the UFC's first Black woman to host the main event. Hill and Waterson met at InvictaFC on May 12.
The ringside judges are split on whether Hill or Waterson is better. Hill has a 2-inch reach advantage, and is considered the superior striker. Waterson, who hasn't fought for five years, is more likely to trade in the pocket and stand. Hill will likely win if Hill wins. Waterson's record however is remarkable. She has won nine out of 10 fights she's been in by submission. Waterson averages 1.68 takedowns per bout.
Jessica Penne
Mixed martial arts fans are excited to see the rematch between Michelle Waterson (former UFC women's champ) and Jessica Penne (aspiring star). Penne called Waterson’s win against her last month a "fluke", while the Canadian veteran said she would fight her again. Waterson claims that the win was not a fluke and wants to prove it.
Penne fought Jessica Andrade in MMA earlier this year and lost via TKO in round 2. The next year she faced Danielle Taylor in a featherweight tourney and was defeated unanimously. Invicta FC strawweight champion Emily Ducote, Penne will face her next bout.
Araya Sage Gomez
Michelle Waterson's next fight is Araya Sage Gomez, if you haven't already heard. Both men met at an Albuquerque Hooters, New Mexico. Gomez's parents had driven up from El Paso for the Cowboys game. Gomez, his parents and a poster of Waterson was placed under their table. Gomez told his mother that she was going to be his future wife when they saw her. They watched as she took her order, laughing. Gomez's parents were hesitant to approach her, though, and they never spoke to her.
Michelle Waterson
Michelle Waterson was a former ring-girl and made a big splash on MTV/MTV2's reality show Bully Beatdown. She also has some interesting career paths. She was unsuccessfully qualified for the MTV reality contest "American Ninja Warrior." Waterson participated in a stunt competition to promote Natalie Portman's movie "Thor" in 2014. After a few more months, Waterson switched to MMA. She competed in the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship. Waterson defeated Tyra with a rear naked choke submission in her debut professional fight. 2008 saw her compete in MTV's reality show "Fight Mom" as well as fighting on the special "Champions vs. Stars” miniseries.
Waterson, 36 has an 18-9-0 record. Three of her victories were by knockout while nine others were via submission. She has fought 27 professional MMA matches. Waterson defeated Marina Rodriguez in her most recent fight in July 2015. She is based near Albuquerque, New Mexico. She trains at Jackson-Wink MMA.