Marina Rodriguez makes weight ahead of a fight. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Marina Rodriguez ready to accept title shot against Rose Namajunas if UFC comes calling
Marina Rodriguez says she is ready to accept a title shot against UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas if the UFC comes calling.
Rodriguez recently defeated Mackenzie Dern to emerge as a serious title contender at 115lbs, where the belt is currently held by Namajunas, who just beat Weili Zhang in a rematch at UFC 268. Rodriguez is now 5-1-1 overall in the UFC and she is a perfect 3-0 in 2021 with prior wins over Amanda Ribas and Michelle Waterson. After beating Dern, there is now talk that Rodriguez could be next in line for the title shot against Namajunas, although former champion Carla Esparza is still waiting for a title shot herself.
Speaking to Sherdog.com, Rodriguez admitted that Esparza probably deserves to get the next title shot ahead of her. However, if the UFC wants to give Rodriguez the shot at gold, she will gladly take the fight.
“No doubt, it would be fair if Esparza gets the chance,” Rodriguez said. “It looks like Rose agrees with that, too, but (UFC President) Dana (White) doesn’t. I’m not a matchmaker. I’m a fighter. My job is to be ready when the UFC calls me, and I will be.”
As far as how a matchup between Rodriguez and Namajunas would play out, the Brazilian thinks it would be an exciting fight between two fighters who like to stand and trade. If the fight turns into a standup war, then Rodriguez believes the winner will be whoever is able to survive the war of attrition.
“I believe Rose’s game fits well with mine,” Rodriguez said. “We’re both technical and aggressive strikers. I can’t reveal my strategy, but I can predict that the fighter who can take the most punishment will leave the Octagon with the belt.”
Do you want to see Marina Rodriguez vs. Rose Namajunas next and who do you think would win the fight?
