Michelle Waterson vs Marina Rodriguez Betting Pick: UFC Fight Night

This Saturday’s UFC event has faced a huge number of shake-ups. It now appears that Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez are set to headline this event. It’s a fun clash of styles between two of the best strawweight fighters in the world. Today, I’ll offer a quick Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick with an analysis on how this fight could play out.

Just about everyone was disappointed to see the original main event of this card scrapped. Waterson-Rodriguez is a solid replacement, though. Before getting into the specifics of this event, I will quickly highlight one of the best sites for betting on the UFC.

Let’s get into it!

Here’s How to Bet on UFC: Waterson vs Rodriguez

The UFC’s strawweight division is more popular right now than ever before. This weight class was on full display a few weeks ago when Rose Namajunas scored a first-round knockout over Weili Zhang to capture the title. Many are curious to see which contenders can earn a shot at the belt later this year.

Some believe that Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez have an ability to win the belt in the future. Both are at somewhat points in their careers. They are both elite, however, and should put on a war when they step into the Octagon this weekend.

Many are now looking for ways to bet on this entire event. I am quick to recommend BetOnline for this fight. This site is known for being one of the best MMA betting platforms in the world. There are more odds available on big fights here than almost anywhere else.

The moneyline odds here are fantastic. I also love the MMA prop betting options being offered at this website. There are a massive number of individual offers available for just about every single major fight taking place around the world.

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If you have a Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick, make sure to check this site out today. It has everything you need for a fun, safe MMA betting experience.

Michelle Waterson vs Marina Rodriguez: Tale of the Tape

As many know, this Saturday’s UFC event was originally expected to be headlined by Cory Sandhagen and TJ Dillashaw, two of the best bantamweights on the planet. That fight fell through and the UFC opted to book Waterson and Rodriguez into this main event. It’s a fun replacement and one that many are excited to see.

Bettors around the world are now trying to figure out how these fighters match up with one another. Perhaps the best way to start is looking at how they compare on a physical level. There are some notable differences for this fight on Saturday that are affecting how some fans make their Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick.

Below is the tale of the tape for this exciting clash.

Michelle Waterson

• Height: 5’3”
• Weight: 115 lbs
• Reach: 62”
• Age: 35

Marina Rodriguez

• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 115 lbs
• Reach: 67”
• Age: 34

The most notable difference is the height disparity here. Marina Rodriguez will come into this fight with an astounding four-inch reach height advantage. She also has a five-inch reach advantage over her opponent.

I believe these advantages will play a major factor on fight night. Both of these women are known to be strikers. Marina’s height and reach advantage will benefit her skills considerably.

These physical advantages only mean so much. In reality, everything comes down to the fighter’s skills. With that in mind, now is the perfect time to discuss what both of these men will be looking to achieve on fight night.

Waterson vs Rodriguez: Paths to Victory

Longtime MMA fans should be well-aware of Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson. She’s been competing in MMA as a professional since 2007 and has remained at the top of the sport for years. Interestingly, she has never managed to capture a title in the UFC.

Marina Rodriguez isn’t quite as known to fans. She is certainly making a name for herself in the UFC and some feel she is the dark horse in the strawweight division. A win here could set Marina up for a number-one contenders fight later this year.

This should be an excellent matchup between two exciting kickboxers. There are some notable differences in their skills, though. Below is what I believe each will be looking to accomplish on Saturday. It should help some to better formulate their Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick moving forward.

Michelle’s Goal

Michelle Waterson is a true veteran in women’s MMA. She’s been competing at the highest level of the UFC since 2015 and incredibly seems to be at the best point in her career right now. Waterson hasn’t changed her style much over the years and is unlikely to do so in this fight on Saturday.

Waterson tends to find success when at kicking range against her opponents. She utilizes strong side and front kicks to throw fighters off of their rhythm. That will be useful against Marina, yet I believe Waterson will be looking to take this fight to the mat whenever an opportunity presents itself.

Most of Rodriguez’s losses have come against strong grapplers. Michelle is no amateur on the mat and will want to engage in grappling as much as possible. Grabbing a submission on Marina won’t be easy. Instead, I see Michelle relying more on her strong base and strikes on the ground to slowly chip away at Marina. BetOnline lists her as the +180 underdog to get the job done.

Marina’s Goal

Marina Rodriguez has already competed six times in the UFC. Her true breakthrough performance came in her most recent knockout win over Amanda Ribas. This victory opened many fan’s eyes and proved she is one of the most dangerous strawweight fighters in the world. In fact, that knockout win is what many people are looking at when making their Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick.

The punching game of Rodriguez will be her best path to victory. Michelle Waterson tends to leave herself open to big strikes. If Marina Rodriguez can get inside Michelle’s kicking range, she can land hard punches and elbows at will.

Marina will also need to avoid the grappling game of Waterson here. Her draws to Randa Markos and Cynthia Calvillo came due to her inability to avoid the ground game. Staying one the feet at boxing range will give Rodriguez the best opportunity to win. Marina comes into this bout as the -210 favorite.

Final Waterson vs Rodriguez Betting Pick

Many fans around the world seem torn as to how this fight will play out. Some believe the experience and grappling skills of Waterson will earn her the win. Others think that Marina’s power and tenacity will get her the victory.

I can see both of these scenarios playing out. In the end, I went with the fighter that I believe is hungrier for a shot at the world title. Fans should be in for a good bout, yet I think one fighter has the better skill set to find victory.

Marina Rodriguez wins Via Unanimous Decision

Marina Rodriguez hasn’t always found success in the UFC. Her most recent win over Amanda Ribas proved to be that she is one of the best fighters in the division, though. I’ve taken a close look at this upcoming fight on Saturday and believe that Marina has the skills necessary to defeat Michelle Waterson.

The striking game of both Waterson and Rodriguez is dangerous. Marina just comes into this fight with more power. That will end up playing the biggest factor on fight night. I expect her to land hard punches and elbows on Michelle on the feet while avoiding grappling at all costs.

A win here could set Marina up for a fight against a top-contender later this summer. It’s an exciting clash and one that will shake-up the strawweight division.

Conclusion

Michelle Waterson looked incredible in her most recent win over Angela Hill. The same can be said for Marina Rodriguez’s last bout against Amanda Ribas. These two fighters are surging right now and should put on a war in the cage.

This entire card is loaded with exciting matchups. Fans should be in for a fun night of action. Make sure to head over to BetOnline today to find odds on all of the bouts taking place.

Do you agree with my Waterson vs Rodriguez betting pick? How do you see this fight taking place on Saturday? Let us know in the comments section below.