Michelle Waterson-Gomez was dominated by Marina Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 79, with Rodriguez delivering the performance of her career and securing a second-round TKO victory.
It appeared that the referee was considering stopping the fight, but Waterson-Gomez continued to fight enduring a significant amount of pain. After the fight, there are questions being raised about the UFC’s officiating, as Waterson-Gomez was left in a pool of blood by Rodriguez.
Fans question refereeing decision after pulverizing of Michelle Waterson-Gomez
The MMA community is outraged at the officiating in the Rodriguez vs. Waterson-Gomez fight. Rodriguez inflicted most of the damage in Round 1, using elbows and knees that left Waterson-Gomez’s face covered in blood by the end of the first five minutes.
Props to Michelle Waterson-Gomez for continuing after this. pic.twitter.com/2jltq5ngSe
— Rami Hanna (@WhoElseButRami) September 24, 2023
Fighters and fans watching the fight live had positive comments for both strawweights, praising Rodriguez for her aggression and Waterson-Gomez for her resilience. However, many MMA enthusiasts still believe that the refereeing during the match was subpar and argue that the fight should have been stopped by the referee in the first round.
Corner needs to stop it
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 24, 2023
One fan said that the referee should have stopped the fight in the first round itself. Whereas UFC welter weight contender Belal Muhammad argued that the corner should’ve stopped the fight.
Can’t stand this sport sometimes … clearly still in the fight early stoppage
— 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@NitrozAG) September 24, 2023
However many of the MMA fans also praised Michelle Waterson-Gomez for still continuing the fight after the first round and taking so much beating.
10-8 Rodriguez. She was just beating her up there. But so much respect to the heart of Waterson. She could have gotten out of that and didn’t and wants to keep going #UFCVegas79
— Jillian DeCoursey (@lionheartjill) September 24, 2023
Following the fight, Michelle Gomez was sent to the hospital for checkups and to get her faced fixed along with Rafael Fiziev who suffered a leg injury in his bout against Mateusz Gamrot.
Rashad Evans seen consoling Michelle
Light heavyweight contender Rashad Evans, who currently competes in Eagle Fighting Championship, was consoling his friend Michelle Waterson-Gomez after her devastating loss and beating to Rodriguez. Rashad and Gomez have been friends for over 15 years, ever since Gomez was just one fight into her pro MMA career and moved to Albuquerque to train at Jackson Wink Academy.
Rashad Evans consoling his long time friend Michelle Waterson-Gomez#UFCVegas79 pic.twitter.com/YIqIeq23XG
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) September 24, 2023
Gomez met Georges St-Pierre and Evans there and said that Evans and St-Pierre opened her eyes and made her believe that she could accomplish anything she desires. Michelle’s journey to the UFC is nothing short of inspirational, as she didn’t achieve overnight success but worked for 10 years while managing her household. What do you think about Gomez’s incredible journey to the UFC? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
