The UFC’s strawweight division has a new contender in the shape of Michelle ‘The Karate Hottie’ Waterson who was unveiled on FOX Sports 1 last night as the promotion’s newest signing.
The 29 year-old Waterson has been plying her trade in the Invicta FC promotion for a few years now and was one of the most popular fighters on their roster which meant there was always a strong likelihood that she would eventually make her way to the sport’s leading promotion.
Waterson became Invicta’s 105lb atomweight champion in 2013 with a win over current UFC fighter Jessica Penne, and then successfully defending her title once before suffering an upset submission loss to Herica Tiburcio late last year.
In total Waterson has a 12-4 career record, and despite her Karate background she’s actually won seven of her fights via submission.
Now Waterson will look to step up to the UFC’s 115lb strawweight division which is currently ruled by Polish striker Joanna Jedrzejczyk who defeated Carla Esparza by second round TKO at UFC 185 back in March to claim the title.
Given her resume and marketability, Waterson is likely to be put straight into a meaningful fight in her UFC debut which is expected to take place this Summer. At this early stage no opponent has been announced for her though.
