Marina Rodriguez wants her first UFC championship opportunity after she beats Amanda Lemos at UFC Vegas 64 on Saturday.
Following a split decision loss to reigning UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza, Rodriguez has rattled off four consecutive wins. She thought her most recent win — a split decision against Yan Xiaonan — was enough to get Esparza in her first defense. The ‘Cookie Monster’ agreed, going as far as vouching for her former opponent, who she said has ‘proven herself’ after beating ‘top-level competition’ in her past appearances.
Despite the cosign from the champion, UFC president Dana White said Rodriguez was close to contention.