(What, were you expecting some glamorous bikini shot, or a gratuitous gif? Well SHAME ON YOU, Nation. *This* is the face of women’s MMA, so look at it, ya bunch of misogynists! via Invicta)
In the wake of all this bombshell Jon Jones news being dropped, it would be easy to overlook the fact that the UFC made another, more positive announcement earlier this week: the signing of former Invicta atomweight champion Michelle Waterson to their 115-pound division. The news of Waterson’s was made by the UFC on Tuesday, and last night, Waterson’s debut opponent has been announced.
Suffice it to say, if you think “The Karate Hottie” is being handed a gimme fight to launch her up the rankings, well, you’re right.
With her impressive resume and…let’s call it “extreme marketability“, Waterson’s signing is undoubtedly a huge get for the relatively shallow strawweight division. She is, however, one of those rare fighters to be signed to the UFC following a loss — a 2014 submission via rear-naked choke to Herica Tiburcio that cost her the Invicta belt — so one wouldn’t expect to see her matched up against a VanZant or a Torres right off the bat, right? Sean Shelby & Co. obviously agree, as “The Karate Hottie” will make her promotional debut against Angela “Your Majesty” Magana.
Magana is, of course, the much-despised TUF 20 alum who was last seen getting outstruck 96-34 by Tecia Torres at the TUF 20 Finale. I truly cannot think of one other significant thing to say about her.
Waterson vs. Magana is set to transpire at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale on July 12 in a Florida city TBD. For those of you who have managed to make it this far down the article, I present you with this reward.