Marina Rodriguez Replaces Michelle Waterson, Faces Amanda Ribas at UFC 257

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Marina Rodriguez has agreed to replace Michelle Waterson and meet Amanda Ribas at UFC 257 on Jan. 23.

Multiple outlets confirmed the new strawweight booking following an initial report from Ag Fight. A reason for Waterson’s withdrawal is currently unknown. UFC 257 is expected to take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a lightweight clash between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.

Rodriguez is 2-2-1 to begin her UFC tenure, with victories over Tecia Torres and Jessica Aguilar. Most recently, the 33-year-old Thai Brasil product dropped a split decision to Carla Esparza at UFC on ESPN 14 that many observers thought she deserved to win.

The 27-year-old Ribas has emerged as a budding star at 115 pounds with victories in her first four Octagon appearances. Ribas went 2-0 in 2020, taking a decision over Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night 170 and submitting Paige VanZant in the opening stanza at UFC 251.