Marina Rodriguez (fighter)


Marina Rodriguez is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of September 23, 2019, she is #9 in the
strawweight rankings.

Background

Rodriguez was born in Bagé, Brazil to Luis and Diva Rodriguez. She has two brothers, Gabriel and Roberto, of whom the latter is a two-time Parapan American Games gold medalist in swimming. In her youth, Rodriguez played soccer, volley, basketball and handball. Growing tired of the lack of physical exercise in her job as a graphic designer, she started looking for a way to lose some gained weight. Eventually she joined a muay Thai class in 2013 and soon thereafter started taking amateur bouts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Rodriguez started her professional MMA career in 2015 and fought primarily in Brazil and amassed a record of 9-0 before competing in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series Brazil - Season 1, Episode 2.

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

Rodriguez appeared in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series |Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series Brazil - Season 1, Episode 2 web-series program on August 11, 2018, facing Maria de Oliveira Neta. She won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Rodriguez made her UFC debut on Non September 22, 2018 against Randa Markos at. The back and forth contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw.
Her next fight came on UFC on March 30, 2019 at against Jessica Aguilar. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rodriguez faced Tecia Torres on August 10, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rodriguez faced Cynthia Calvillo, replacing injured Cláudia Gadelha, on December 7, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 7. At the weigh-ins, Calvillo weighed in at 120.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the strawweight non-title fight limit of 116. The bout against Rodriguez will be held at a catchweight. Calvillo was fined 30% her purse, which went to her opponent Rodriguez. After three rounds of fighting, the bout ended with a majority draw.
Rodriguez was expected to face Carla Esparza on July 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 172. However the bout was cancelled after one of Rodriguez's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. The pair eventually fought at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 26, 2020. Rodriguez lost the fight via split decision.

Mixed martial arts record