Marina Alcalde Rodriguez (born April 29, 1987) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA). She currently competes in the Strawweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of October 25, 2021, she is #3 UFC women's strawweight rankings and as of November 23, 2021, she is #9 in UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.
Background
Rodriguez was born in Bagé, Brazil to Luis and Diva Rodriguez. She has two brothers, Gabriel and Roberto, of whom the latter is a two-time Parapan American Games gold medalist in swimming. In her youth, Rodriguez played football, volley, basketball, and handball. Growing tired of the lack of physical exercise in her job as a graphic designer, she started looking for a way to lose some gained weight. Then, she found her now coach, Marcio Malko. Eventually, she joined a muay Thai class in 2013 and soon thereafter started taking amateur bouts.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Rodriguez started her professional MMA career in 2015 and fought primarily in Brazil and amassed a record of 9–0 before competing in Dana White's Contender Series Brazil .
Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series
Rodriguez appeared in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series (DWTNCS) Dana White's Contender Series Brazil 2 web-series program on August 11, 2018, facing Maria de Oliveira Neta. She won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rodriguez made her UFC debut on September 22, 2018 against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Anders. The back and forth contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw.
Her next fight came on UFC on March 30, 2019 at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje against Jessica Aguilar. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rodriguez faced Tecia Torres on August 10, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rodriguez faced Cynthia Calvillo, replacing injured Cláudia Gadelha, on December 7, 2019 at UFC on ESPN 7. At the weigh-ins, Calvillo weighed in at 120.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the strawweight non-title fight limit of 116. The bout against Rodriguez will be held at a catchweight. Calvillo was fined 30% her purse, which went to her opponent Rodriguez. After three rounds of fighting, the bout ended with a majority draw.
Rodriguez was expected to face Carla Esparza on July 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 172. However the bout was cancelled after one of Rodriguez's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. The pair eventually fought at UFC on ESPN 14 on July 26, 2020. Rodriguez lost the fight via split decision.
Rodriguez faced Amanda Ribas, replacing Michelle Waterson, on January 24, 2021 at UFC 257. Rodriguez won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.
As the first fight of her new, multi-fight contract Rodriguez faced Michelle Waterson in a flyweight bout on May 8, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 24. She won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rodriguez faced Mackenzie Dern on October 9, 2021 on UFC Fight Night 194. She won the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.
Rodriguez faced Yan Xiaonan on March 5, 2022 at UFC 272. She won the fight via split decision.
Championships and awards
Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Amanda Ribas
Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Mackenzie Dern
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
19 matches 16 wins 1 loss
