Michelle Waterson’s 2017 didn’t prove fruitful inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon, going winless (0-2) after dropping back-to-back bouts against Rose Namajunas and Tecia Torres.
Outside of the cage was a different story, however, as “The Karate Hottie” was all over the place, scoring the cover of ESPN Magazine’s “The Body Issue” and a spot on the MTV reality show “The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars,” among other ventures.
Still, Waterson wants it to be known that mixed martial arts (MMA) is her No. 1 priority … as far as her career is concerned.
“Fighting is my passion, martial arts is my passion, but I also understand it’s important to me to take advantage of this platform that I am on so that I can build my brand so that when I am done fighting I have something to fall back on,” Waterson said during a media scrum prior to UFC 219 this past Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. “With that being said, I look forward to getting back in the win column and climbing up the ranks and making that my priority.”
As for when she’d like to return to action, Waterson is eying a comeback fight in March 2018. And she already has a few potential opponents in mind.
“I’d like to fight in March if I could. I am really looking forward to watching the bout between Carla and Cynthia. I think either one would be a good match for me. Also, I know Felice has been on a four-fight win streak. Her and I kind of came up in the sport together and I think that would be an entertaining fight. At this point, I just want to get in the win column, so, we will see who they give me.”
This card needs some beefing up.
Carla Esparza defeated Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 219, so a bout against Calvillo doesn’t sound like a bad idea, as both are coming off a loss. As for scoring a fight against Herrig, that may be tough to come by as “Lil’ Bulldog” has been on a hot streak, while Waterson has cooled down.
Care to throw out a few suggestions of your own?