Marina Rodriguez

Marina Alcalde Rodriguez (born April 29, 1987) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA). She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of January 23, 2024, she is #6 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.

Background
Rodriguez was born in Bagé, Brazil. She has two brothers, Gabriel and Roberto, of whom the latter is a two-time Parapan American Games gold medalist in swimming. In her youth, Rodriguez played football, volley, basketball, and handball. Growing tired of the lack of physical exercise in her job as a graphic designer, she started looking for a way to lose some gained weight. Then, she found her now coach, Marcio Malko. Eventually, she joined a muay Thai class in 2013 and soon thereafter started taking amateur bouts.

Early career
Rodriguez started her professional MMA career in 2015 and fought primarily in Brazil and amassed a record of 9–0 before competing in Dana White's Contender Series Brazil.

Dana White's Contender Series
Rodriguez appeared in Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 web-series program on August 11, 2018, facing Maria de Oliveira Neta. She won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rodriguez made her UFC debut on September 22, 2018, against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders. The back and forth contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw.

Rodriguez next faced Jessica Aguilar on March 30, 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje against. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rodriguez faced Tecia Torres on August 10, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 156. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rodriguez faced Cynthia Calvillo, replacing an injured Cláudia Gadelha, on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7. At the weigh-ins, Calvillo weighed in at 120.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the strawweight non-title fight limit. The bout was held at a catchweight and Calvillo was fined 30% her purse, which went to Rodriguez. After three rounds of fighting, the bout ended with a majority draw.

Rodriguez was expected to face former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza on July 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 172. However the bout was cancelled after one of Rodriguez's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. The pair eventually fought at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 26, 2020. Rodriguez lost the fight via split decision.

Rodriguez faced Amanda Ribas, replacing Michelle Waterson, on January 24, 2021, at UFC 257. Rodriguez won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This win earned her the Performance of the Night  award.

As the first fight of her new, multi-fight contract, Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson in a flyweight bout on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rodriguez faced Mackenzie Dern on October 9, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 194. She won the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.

Rodriguez faced Yan Xiaonan on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272. She won the fight via split decision.

Rodriguez was expected to face Amanda Lemos at UFC 280, but the bout was postponed to UFC Fight Night 214 for unknown reasons. She lost the fight via technical knockout in the third round.

Rodriguez was scheduled to face Virna Jandiroba on May 6, 2023, at UFC 288. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson-Gomez in a rematch on September 23, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 228. She won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.

Rodriguez faced former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Jéssica Andrade on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300. She lost the bout by split decision.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Amanda Ribas and Michelle Waterson-Gomez
 * Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Mackenzie Dern