Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez 9/23/23 – On September 23, 2023, Marina Rodriguez is set to clash with Michelle Waterson-Gomez in a must-see Women’s Strawweight duel at UFC Fight Night 228. Fans and bettors are buzzing with anticipation as they dissect statistics and make educated guesses on who will triumph between these two seasoned fighters. With both boasting commendable track records, this is a match worth tuning in for. Additionally, anyone intrigued by UFC picks may find this bout an excellent case study in advanced striking and ground tactics.
Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Marina Rodriguez Analysis
Marina Rodriguez steps into the UFC Octagon with a strikingly solid professional record of 16 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. One of the first things to notice about Rodriguez is her impressive striking. Her Significant Strikes per Minute (SLpM) rate is a remarkable 4.58, a testament to her high-octane offensive capabilities. She couples this with a striking accuracy of 47%, indicating that not only does she throw often, but she also connects with significant shots regularly.
At 5’6″ and with a 65″ reach, Rodriguez has a physical advantage that she leverages effectively in her stand-up game. She uses her length to keep opponents at bay while landing devastating strikes from a distance. This physicality adds another layer to her game that opponents often find hard to penetrate, especially given her reach advantage that allows her to dominate in the clinch as well as at range. But Rodriguez isn’t just an offensive juggernaut. Defensively, she absorbs only 2.94 strikes per minute and boasts a striking defense rate of 56%. This dual capability to deal damage while mitigating risks makes her a hard puzzle to solve for most opponents. Her defense isn’t limited to dodging or blocking strikes; she also has a takedown defense rate of 64%, indicating her focus on maintaining the fight in the stand-up realm where she excels.
However, her ground game is an area that seems secondary in her fight strategy. Averaging just 0.17 takedowns every 15 minutes and with a takedown accuracy of 33%, she clearly prefers to keep the battle on the feet. Despite a recent loss to Jandiroba, this defeat doesn’t take away from her previous stellar performances, and she will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back in this highly anticipated matchup.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez Analysis
Michelle Waterson-Gomez has an 18-11-0 professional record that might seem less impressive at first glance but becomes more commendable when considering the level of competition she has faced. Standing at 5’3″ and with a 62″ reach, Waterson-Gomez doesn’t possess the physical attributes that Rodriguez enjoys. However, she counters this with an exceptionally versatile skill set.
Waterson-Gomez lands an average of 3.63 significant strikes per minute, slightly less than Rodriguez but still significant in its own right. Her striking accuracy is 46%, almost neck and neck with her opponent. While her striking game is commendable, her defensive stats show some vulnerabilities—she takes in 4.01 strikes per minute and has a defense rate of 51%, indicating room for improvement in her striking defense. But where she truly shines is on the ground. She averages 1.4 takedowns every 15 minutes with a 33% takedown accuracy, similar to Rodriguez’s stats. However, what differentiates her is her strong defense against takedowns, boasting a 72% defense rate, and a robust submission game, attempting an average of 0.7 submissions every 15 minutes. These numbers reveal a fighter who is capable of turning a match around with her grappling and submission abilities.
Despite a recent setback against Pinheiro, Waterson-Gomez’s history in the sport and the high-caliber fighters she has faced make her a worthy opponent. She’s a well-rounded, adaptable fighter who can challenge Rodriguez not just on the feet but also on the ground, where Rodriguez may find herself vulnerable.
Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez Stats
| Rodriguez | Waterson-Gomez | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 16-3-2 | 18-11-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 14:34 | 14:18 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ | 5′ 3″ |
| Weight | 115 lbs. | 115 lbs. |
| Reach | 65″ | 62″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.58 | 3.63 |
| Striking Accuracy | 47% | 46% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 2.94 | 4.01 |
| Defense | 56% | 51% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.17 | 1.40 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 33% | 33% |
| Takedown Defense | 64% | 72% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.2 | 0.7 |
Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez Free Pick
When it comes to these two fighters with contrasting skill sets, the devil is in the details. Rodriguez has an edge in the striking department, while Waterson-Gomez shines when the action goes to the ground. However, Rodriguez’s striking proficiency and defensive tactics make her the favorite. After comprehensive scrutiny, we project that Marina Rodriguez will prevail in this contest.
Free Prediction: Marina Rodriguez -357
UFC Fight Night 228 is shaping up to be a spectacle. Both fighters are set to bring distinct skill sets, ensuring this won’t be a one-sided bout. Best sports betting is already offering odds, drawing interest from wagerers. Though Michelle Waterson-Gomez is a formidable competitor, statistics and fighting styles suggest that Marina Rodriguez has the upper hand. Don’t miss this electrifying chapter in Women’s Strawweight history.
