LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 07: In this UFC handout, Marina Rodriguez of Brazil poses on the scale during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX on May 07, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC Vegas 64: Mario Bautista is the fighter to watch
Marina Rodriguez takes a fight that may not make sense but can help her get closer to a title shot.
UFC Vegas 64 is set for November 5 as another edition of action at the UFC APEX. At the top of the card is the UFC strawweight division, with number three-ranked Marina Rodriguez taking on seven-ranked Amanda Lemos. This is a big bout with the winner taking a step toward a potential fight for the 115-pound crown, and Rodriguez is ready for both challenges regardless of who stands across from her.
“I’m very confident that if I defeat Amanda, no matter how I’m going to be the next challenger,” Rodriguez said during the UFC Vegas 64 media day interviews. “If everything goes perfectly, I’m going to be there to see this fight. The only thing that matters is I’m going to be there, and I’m going to be ready.”
Rodriguez is enjoying such confidence because she is riding a four-fight win streak. During this run, she’s picked up important wins over the likes of Mackenzie Dern, Michelle Waterson, Xan Xiaonan, and Amanda Ribas. There are some who even think she defeated the current champion, Carla Esparza in what was a close split-decision loss back in 2020.
“To be honest, this fight doesn’t make a lot of sense when you look at the UFC rankings,” Rodriguez said. “But I’m a UFC employee and I know I have to accept other fights in order to fight for the title.”
Amanda Lemos is not going to be a tough out in the main event
But before Rodriguez can think about title shots, she will have to find a way to get by Lemos. The last time she was in the Octagon she stopped Waterson inside two rounds to get back on the winning track. Outside of a loss to Jessica Andrade, Lemos has picked up wins in six of her last seven fights.
“I know she’s very tough, she has good victories in the UFC,” Rodriguez said. “I’m 100 percent confident that our fight has everything to be the fight of the night.”
UFC Vegas 64: Marina Rodriguez vs. Amanda Lemos takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on-site, for all your news and highlights.