From what we’ve seen of them thus far, it’s pretty clear that neither Michelle Waterson nor Felice Herrig will ever taste championship gold in the UFC. But that doesn’t mean they’re not among the best of the strawweights.
For the Waterson, a.k.a. “The Karate Hottie”, that elite status stems from her karate-based striking and solid ground game. For Herrig, it’s her jiu-jitsu and savvy as a seasoned veteran.
Welcome to the opening main card bout of UFC 229, folks.
From the outset it’s obvious that, though Herrig is in constant pursuit, Waterson’s ability to land kicks and move away is going to make all the difference in the stand-up department. ‘Cause Waterson sure does end up kicking Herrig in the face a lot.
That front kick is lighting quick from @KarateHottieMMA! #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/4rkWW21ufa
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
Herrig does well tying her up against the fence, but in Round 2 Waterson lands a sweet throw and goes to work from top position.
Waterson lands the head kick, then goes to the ground and lands some nice elbows!@KarateHottieMMA #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/V0riY8na3H
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
The tables are turned when Waterson flubs a throw and Herrig lands on top in the third. But Waterson is nonstop in her barrage of elbows and punches from the bottom, and essentially Herrig does nothing to make up for lost ground.
Front kick lands AGAIN! #UFC229 @KarateHottieMMA pic.twitter.com/wBuIsudZ0a
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2018
When time runs out, Waterson takes the unanimous decision.