(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Angela Hill after UFC on ESPN+ 35 loss?)
Michelle Waterson likely saved any hope she has of fighting for a UFC title or being a champion on Saturday when she defeated Angela Hill in the UFC on ESPN+ 35 main event.
Waterson (18-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) snapped a two-fight losing skid with a crucial split decision victory over Hill (12-9 MMA, 6-9 UFC) in the strawweight headliner, which took place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Now, “The Karate Hottie” is back on the map.
The 115-pound weight class is the deepest in women’s MMA, and Waterson vowed to do everything in her power to keep climbing the ranks and eventually get the belt around her waist.
What does the win over mean for Waterson’s goal, and how can she keep moving forward? Perhaps a matchup with the winner of the Nov. 7 contest between Claudia Gadelha (18-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) and Yan Xiaonan (12-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) would be a good move.
Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Waterson’s future after UFC on ESPN+ 35.