Author: Shreyas Sharma
In a night full of high-octane action at the UFC event in Las Vegas, Brazilian fighter Marina Rodriguez emerged as the shining star, putting on a dazzling display of Muay Thai and securing Brazil’s only victory of the night. Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson-Gomez, and the rematch lived up to expectations.
Marina Rodriguez batters Waterson-Gomez but she survives… Shades of Joanna-Penne #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/rpbggqnw5q
– Underrated MMA Performances (@FinishesUfc) September 24, 2023
The fight started with a surprise, as Waterson-Gomez took the fight to the ground in the first few seconds. However, the American failed to make the most of her advantage. Rodriguez managed to escape and got back to his feet, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches, knees and elbows in a pure Muay Thai style. The Brazilian fighter almost scored a knockout by punishing her opponent. Despite a cut on Waterson-Gomez’s face that led to a medical examination, the American opted to continue the fight.
PURE DOMINANCE!!!!!! 😳@WMMARZ finishes it in R2! #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/qgSDylMJP7
– UFC (@ufc) September 24, 2023
The second round saw the peak of Rodriguez’s dominance. She managed to take her opponent down and mounted her, unleashing a relentless series of punches. The referee had no choice but to intervene and declare a technical knockout in favor of Marina Rodriguez at 2 minutes and 42 seconds of the round.
After her victory, Marina Rodriguez expressed her joy, saying:“After my last two fights, I put it in my head that I had to go back to who I was before, and that’s what I did with my team, going back to being my usual Marina and going for the knockout.” She also asked for a fight against Tatiana Suarez, with the aim of continuing her impressive career in the UFC.
🤑Here’s my unapologetically uneducated picks and opinions for #UFCVegas79 this weekend! 🤑
Montserrat Rendon vs. Tamires Vidal
Vidal’s UFC debut was 🔥, but her cardio is questionable. Rendon lacks notable wins. Vidal’s power and training make her a likely winner.
Mizuki… pic.twitter.com/CThhzr7YI7
– Swan (@BigPoppaSwan) September 21, 2023
While Rodriguez’s performance was a highlight, two other Brazilian fighters, Ricardo Carcacinha and Tamires Vidal, faced tough defeats. Carcacinha was the victim of a guillotine choke from Charles Jourdain in the first round, and Vidal suffered his first setback in the UFC, losing to Montserrat Rendon by split decision.
this sucks. what a sad ending to what was going to be an awesome fight. #UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/SPrtq4b96z
– Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) September 24, 2023
In the main event, Mateusz Gamrot secured an unexpected triumph over Rafael Fiziev after his opponent suffered a knee injury in the second round, leading to a technical knockout.
Saturday’s UFC event featured exciting fights, with Marina Rodriguez’s Muay Thai performance standing out as the highlight of the night for Brazilian fans.