Had everything played out as originally scheduled, Waterson would already be talking about how her fight with Carla Esparza went in Portland, Ore., three weeks ago. But like the rest of the world, the UFC’s plans for her were scrapped after the coronavirus outbreak led to the shutdown of almost every major sports and entertainment organization.
Waterson then thought she might fight Esparza at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, an idea that was soon ruled out due to increasing COVID-19 precautions. Then she wondered whether their bout could be moved to California, or UFC President Dana White’s proposed “Fight Island.