Las Vegas – UFC strawweight Marina Rodriguez isn’t coming to UFC 300 against Jessica Andrade just to take part in a big card as her aspirations to get back to a title shot are the only goal on Saturday night.
“I think that facing Jessica will mean to me another opportunity to have a shot at the title. Winning this fight means that I can ask for a shot at the title,” Rodriguez told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
Interesting enough the UFC strawweight title will be up for grabs in the co-main event between champion Weili Zhang and challenger Yan Xiaonan. With a victory it could mean that the timing would work out for Rodriguez to be next for the belt.
“The timing is perfect, being on this great card, facing a former champion, actually getting to know by the end of the night who is the strawweight champion. Everything’s working out great,” she said.
“What I know is, regardless of what happens, I’m going to call out a Chinese fighter.”
Rodriguez (17-3-2) is very well aware of the importance of UFC 300. While she’s excited to be on a historic card the mission is what takes priority on Saturday night.
“Being on the card at the same time that the title fight is actually happening it’s very important,” Rodriguez said.
“To be in this historic event I think it’s rewarding and I think it’s deserved. That shows that the company looks at me and the merit of the fights that I put out. It’s a pleasure to actually have this opportunity, and also the title fight is like the icing on the cake.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Marina Rodriguez above. She takes on Jessica Andrade at UFC 300 on Saturday night.
