UFC Fight Night Betting Preview: Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez

September 23, 2023

The upcoming UFC Fight Night holds the prospect of an exhilarating main card lineup, presenting intriguing possibilities for savvy bettors.

Amidst these matchups, a spellbinding clash emerges between Marina Rodriguez, ranked eighth, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez, ranked 12^th, in a women's strawweight bout deserving of your attention.

Location: UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Main Card: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN+)

Prelims: 4:00 PM ET (ESPN+)

Marina Rodriguez Betting Preview

Rodriguez has lost her last two fights, but she is aiming to not let that stop her from claiming a win here. Her most recent defeat was a unanimous decision against Virna Jandiroba back at UFC 288 in May earlier this year.

She has 16 wins in her resumes that are compiled with six knockouts, one submission, and nine decisions. Four of her wins have ended in the first round and two of her three losses have come by decision.

She lands 44 percent of her strikes and 33 percent of her takedowns. She averages 4.58 significant strikes each minute and takes on 2.94, showing a solid separation between the two averages.

Her defense against significant strikes is solid at 56 percent and at 64 percent against takedowns. She also averages 0.17 each for takedowns and submissions per 15 minutes of fight time.

Michelle Waterson-Gomez Betting Preview

Waterson-Gomez has lost her last three battles and is desperately needing to get back on track. Her most recent loss was a split decision against Luana Pinheiro back at UFC 287 in April of this year.

Her fighting resume shows that she has 18 wins consisting of three knockouts, nine submissions, and six decisions. Eight of her wins have resulted in first round finishes and six out of 11 losses have come by decision.

“The Karate Hottie” strikes with an accuracy at 47 percent and lands takedowns at 34 percent. Her significant strike ratio is a bit negative, as she lands 3.63 each minute and takes on 4.01.

Defensively, she does well against significant strikes at 51 percent and against takedowns at 72 percent. She also throws in 1.40 takedowns and 0.70 submissions in each 15 minutes of fight time.

Odds, Series Trends and Free Pick

MyBookie's most recent odds suggest that Marina Rodriguez stands as the frontrunner to secure victory in this match, boasting a favorable advantage. Enhance your odds by including Rodriguez in a parlay alongside other bouts happening tonight

Michelle Waterson-Gomez: +145

Marina Rodriguez: -285

Striking will be key here, as Rodriguez has a good ratio and will likely lead the pace. Look for her to get back on track and potentially a knockout if it does not make it to a decision.

Spooky Express Pick: Take Marina Rodriguez to Win at -285

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