Waterson praises Dana White for actions during COVID-19 pandemic

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC VEGAS 10: Strawweight Michelle Waterson is happy to be able to fight Angela Hill amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Strawweight contender Michelle Waterson is excited to be able to fight during these trying times, especially in a main event spot. After original headliner Glover Teixeira was forced out of his fight against Thiago Santos due to a positive COVID-19 test, the ‘Karate Hottie’ saw herself bumped up to the headliner against Angela Hill.

Despite the criticism on holding UFC events amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and many of her colleagues catching the virus, Waterson prefers to look a the bright side. In an interview with Combate, she praised UFC president Dana White for making the cards go forward no matter what might happen.

“I believe that, as a fighter, you get used to the hits you take from life and always end up looking at the bright side. I’m very grateful for having Dana White as a leader in the UFC. He’s willing to break through the barriers and is allowing us to work during these trying times. It’s fantastic that I can work during this pandemic.”

When it comes to the fight itself, Waterson believes she is the more well-rounded athlete of the two. Although Waterson sees Hill as a dangerous opponent on the feet, she feels like she will have the edge on the mat against the muay thai specialist.

“I believe that her hunger and heart are her strong suits, especially after a controversial loss. She was really in her moment in those last UFC fights. She’s a great striker. But I believe, I’m a better grappler when compared to her fights. I think it’s going to be a very fun fight, because we both go for it.”

Currently on a two-fight losing skid, Waterson (17-8) dropped decision losses to both Carla Esparza and Joanna Jedrzejczyk in her last couple of outings. Before that, the 34-year-old scored a unanimous decision win over Karolina Kowalkiewicz, in March 2019.

Now, Michelle Waterson is expected to meet Angela Hill at UFC Fight 177’s main event, on September 12, at the UFC Apex, in Las Vegas, Nevada.