Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter
Marina Alcalde Rodriguez[1] (born April 29, 1987) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA). She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of January 23, 2024, she is #6 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.[5]
Background
Rodriguez was born in Bagé, Brazil.[6] She has two brothers, Gabriel and Roberto, of whom the latter is a two-time Parapan American Games gold medalist in swimming.[6] In her youth, Rodriguez played football, volley, basketball, and handball.[1] 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. Then, she found her now coach, Marcio Malko.[7] Eventually, she joined a muay Thai class in 2013 and soon thereafter started taking amateur bouts.[6]
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 Contender Series Brazil.[8]
Dana White's Contender Series
Rodriguez appeared in Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 web-series program on August 11, 2018, facing Maria de Oliveira Neta.[9] She won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[10]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rodriguez made her UFC debut on September 22, 2018, against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders.[11] The back and forth contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw.[12]
Rodriguez next faced Jessica Aguilar on March 30, 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje against.[13] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[14]
Rodriguez faced Tecia Torres on August 10, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 156.[15] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[16]
Rodriguez faced Cynthia Calvillo, replacing an injured Cláudia Gadelha, on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.[17] At the weigh-ins, Calvillo weighed in at 120.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the strawweight non-title fight limit. The bout was held at a catchweight and Calvillo was fined 30% her purse, which went to Rodriguez.[18] After three rounds of fighting, the bout ended with a majority draw.[19]
Rodriguez was expected to face former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza on July 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172.[20] However the bout was cancelled after one of Rodriguez's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.[21] The pair eventually fought at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 26, 2020.[22] Rodriguez lost the fight via split decision.[23]
Rodriguez faced Amanda Ribas, replacing Michelle Waterson, on January 24, 2021, at UFC 257.[24] Rodriguez won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[25] This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.[26]
As the first fight of her new, multi-fight contract, Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson in a flyweight bout on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24.[27][28] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[29]
Rodriguez faced Mackenzie Dern on October 9, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 194.[30] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[31] This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.[32]
Rodriguez faced Yan Xiaonan on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272.[33] She won the fight via split decision.[34]
Rodriguez was expected to face Amanda Lemos at UFC 280,[35] but the bout was postponed to UFC Fight Night 214 for unknown reasons.[36] She lost the fight via technical knockout in the third round.[37]
Rodriguez was scheduled to face Virna Jandiroba on May 6, 2023, at UFC 288.[38] She lost the fight by unanimous decision.[39]
Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson-Gomez in a rematch on September 23, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 228. [40] She won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[41] This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.[42]
Rodriguez is scheduled to face former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Jéssica Andrade on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300.[43]
