Marina Rodriguez is a renowned Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a significant impact in the world of MMA. With a professional record of 17 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, Rodriguez has proven herself as a formidable force in the sport.
Born on April 29, 1987, in Bagé, Brazil, Marina Rodriguez stands at 5 ft 7 in tall and weighs 115 lb. She fights out of Florianópolis, Brazil, where she represents the Thai Brasil AS Team. Her training techniques are a testament to her dedication and skill.
With a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a dark blue belt with a black tip in Muay Thai, Rodriguez has honed her skills in various disciplines. Her ability to seamlessly integrate these techniques into her fights has earned her a well-deserved reputation in the MMA community.
Rodriguez’s career highlights include notable victories over top-ranked opponents such as Tecia Torres, Jessica Aguilar, and Michelle Waterson. These wins showcase her adaptability and tenacity inside the Octagon.
Currently ranked #8 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings, Marina Rodriguez continues to make waves in the MMA world. Her impressive career and training techniques make her a force to be reckoned with in the Strawweight division.
Background of Marina Rodriguez
Marina Rodriguez, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, has an intriguing background that has shaped her journey in the world of MMA. Born in Bagé, Brazil, Rodriguez grew up in a sports-oriented family, with one of her brothers even becoming a Parapan American Games gold medalist in swimming. She herself engaged in various sports during her youth, including football, volleyball, basketball, and handball.
Despite her active lifestyle, Rodriguez felt the need for more physical exercise in her professional life as a graphic designer. This led her to turn to martial arts for weight loss and overall fitness. In 2013, she joined a muay Thai class, which ignited her passion for combat sports. From there, she started taking part in amateur bouts and eventually decided to pursue a career in MMA.
Early Career and Contender Series
Marina Rodriguez began her professional MMA career in 2015, fighting primarily in Brazil to gain experience and build her reputation in the sport. With a record of 9 wins and 0 losses, her talent and skill were undeniable. In 2018, she had an opportunity to showcase her abilities on a larger stage.
That year, Rodriguez was invited to compete in Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil, a web-series program that gives up-and-coming fighters the chance to earn a spot in the prestigious UFC. On August 11, 2018, Rodriguez stepped into the Contender Series cage and delivered an impressive performance. She secured a victory via technical knockout in the first round, leaving a lasting impression on the UFC bosses who were watching.
The success of her Contender Series appearance opened the doors to the big leagues, and shortly after her win, Rodriguez received an invitation to join the UFC roster. Her journey from the regional circuits to the global stage was a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
UFC Debut and Notable Fights
After a successful run in the Brazilian MMA circuit, Marina Rodriguez made her much-anticipated UFC debut on September 22, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders. She faced off against Randa Markos in a highly competitive bout that ultimately ended in a majority draw. Despite the outcome, Rodriguez showcased her skills and proved that she belonged in the UFC.
Following her debut, Rodriguez went on to face tough opponents and emerged victorious in her next three fights. She defeated Jessica Aguilar, a seasoned veteran of the sport, with a unanimous decision. She then went on to showcase her striking prowess and defeated Tecia Torres via unanimous decision as well. Rodriguez’s fight against Cynthia Calvillo ended in a majority draw due to Calvillo missing weight, but it was another impressive performance for the rising star.
Recent Fights and Awards
Marina Rodriguez has been on a winning streak in her recent fights, proving herself as a formidable opponent in the UFC women’s strawweight division. She has faced top-tier fighters such as Amanda Ribas, Michelle Waterson, Mackenzie Dern, and Yan Xiaonan, and emerged victorious in each bout.
One of her standout performances was against Amanda Ribas, where she showcased her skills and earned the Performance of the Night award. Her fight against Mackenzie Dern was also memorable, as it was recognized as the Fight of the Night. These accolades highlight Rodriguez’s ability to deliver thrilling and impactful performances inside the Octagon.
Most recently, Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson in a rematch, and she once again displayed her dominance by securing a technical knockout in the second round. This victory not only solidified her position in the division but also earned her another Performance of the Night award.
Recent Fights and Awards:
- Victory against Amanda Ribas, Performance of the Night
- Fight of the Night against Mackenzie Dern
- Win over Michelle Waterson, Performance of the Night
Championships and Rankings
Marina Rodriguez has established herself as one of the top contenders in the UFC women’s strawweight division. Her impressive performances have not only earned her recognition but also a place in the rankings. Currently, Rodriguez holds the #8 spot in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings, showcasing her skill and determination inside the Octagon.
Throughout her career, Rodriguez has showcased her ability to deliver exceptional performances that have left fans and critics in awe. Her victories over Amanda Ribas and Michelle Waterson were so impressive that she was awarded the Performance of the Night title on both occasions. This recognition solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division.
In addition to her incredible individual achievements, Rodriguez has also been part of some unforgettable fights. Her matchup against Mackenzie Dern was nothing short of thrilling, and it was rightfully awarded the Fight of the Night title. This accolade highlights the intensity and excitement that Rodriguez brings to the cage, making her bouts must-watch events for MMA enthusiasts.
Professional Record
Marina Rodriguez boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 17 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. Throughout her career, she has showcased her skills and versatility by achieving victories through knockouts, submissions, and decision wins.
Notable wins in Rodriguez’s record include her victories over esteemed fighters such as Tecia Torres, Jessica Aguilar, and Michelle Waterson. These wins have solidified her standing as a formidable force in the strawweight division.
While Rodriguez has faced a few setbacks in her career, with losses against Carla Esparza, Virna Jandiroba, and Amanda Lemos, her resilience and determination have allowed her to bounce back and continue her pursuit of success. With each fight, Rodriguez gains valuable experience and works towards further refining her skills.
