Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Michelle Waterson-Gomez Says Conversation With Dominick Cruz Changed Her Perspective On First Marina Rodriguez Fight

Originally posted on MMA News | By Curtis Calhoun | Last updated 9/19/23

UFC strawweight veteran Michelle Waterson-Gomez changed her stance on her first fight with Marina Rodriguez after a conversation with one of the sport's best minds.

Waterson-Gomez and Rodriguez will square off in a strawweight rematch this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Gamrot. Waterson-Gomez is desperately searching for a win after three consecutive losses to Rodriguez, Amanda Lemos, and Luana Pinheiro.

As the strawweight title picture continues to unfold, Waterson-Gomez and Rodriguez will battle in a high-stakes matchup for contender position. Waterson-Gomez took her first fight with Rodriguez in a short-notice flyweight bout in May 2021.

Waterson-Gomez initially had a tough time processing defeat after falling to Rodriguez before picking the brain of Dominick Cruz.

Michelle Waterson-Gomez Rematches Marina Rodriguez This Weekend

During a recent interview with Just Scrap Radio, Waterson-Gomez revealed how Cruz revamped her confidence level after suffering defeat to Rodriguez.

"It was a great fight," Waterson-Gomez said. "We went five rounds, great experience for both of us...I remember being really disappointed in myself after that fight and then talking to Dominick Cruz and he was like 'What do you mean? You took that fight on one week notice and went the total five rounds, landed some really good shots'. Watching the fight back, I had some great moments and I wasn't able to capitalize on it. That's the plan this time around."

Cruz is aiming to make his UFC return after a loss to Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego last year. A timeline for his next fight has yet to be revealed as of this writing.

Waterson-Gomez's last win was a split-decision victory against Angela Hill in 2020. Her last fight, a loss to Pinheiro at UFC 287, was a matchup in which many felt she was robbed on the scorecards.

The Rodriguez rematch this weekend is arguably a 'must-win' for Waterson-Gomez, and it appears her conversation with Cruz will give her confidence in her abilities inside the Octagon.

Please provide transcription credit with a link to this article if you use any of these quotes.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: