UFC 218 was rife with key strawweight action, and Michelle Waterson vs. Tecia Torres promised to be a thriller.
Top strawweights Tecia Torres and Michelle Waterson threw down at UFC 218 on Saturay, battling it out in yet another key fight in the 115lb weight class. With former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk dethroned by Rose Namajunas, the opportunity was there for just about anyone to step up. That paved the way for either former Invicta FC atomweight champ Waterson or strawweight standout Torres to make a statement.
Opening the UFC 218 main card, Torres and Waterson had a huge opportunity. ‘The Karate Hottie’ Waterson opened the action with a high kick that sailed over Torres. Waterson would then land a kick, take the back, and get her hooks in, but Torres had managed to stand up while Waterson was climbing her. She shook Waterson off, and was soon landing a right hand. In general, Torres got the better of the striking, showing more power in her hands, while Waterson relied on some kicks to the body and up high.
Towards the latter part of the round, ‘The Tiny Tornado’ landed some big elbows on Waterson. They would clinch, and Michelle Waterson would land a left hand off the break. Some more clinch work, a front side kick by Waterson, and a big flurry in the final seconds by Torres ended the round.
In the second, Torres scored first with a hard right hand that was answered by a knee from Waterson. She then scored a takedown, though Torres threatened to roll through it and gain control. Waterson maintained her composure, and stayed on top. She would hold on to top control through most of the round, but had a hard time scoring damage. Towards the end of the round, Torres would threaten with a triangle, then an arm-bar. She’d break free just prior to the bell, but Waterson controlled over four minutes of the frame.
Round three could secure the win for either fighter, potentially. Waterson came over the top with a big right early, but by the midway point, the tenacity of Torres seemed to be turning things in her favor. Waterson was showing damage to an eye, and Torres began to be a little more calculated in choosing her spots. A slip by Waterson saw Torres engage, but Waterson broke free; Torres took the back, but was initially high, with Waterson shaking her off. Torres, however, was able to flatten Waterson out and begin landing some big strikes. Waterson was able to turn in during the final seconds of the round, reversing and getting back to her feet. Still, it was too late — the winner had emerged, and it was Torres.
Tecia Torres def. Michelle Waterson by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
