Carla Esparza Believes Marina Rodriguez Has ‘Proven Herself’ Over Zhang Weili; Places Her as the Frontrunner for Next Title Challenger
Two-time UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza shared her thoughts on her potential, next opponent, after winning the strap against Rose Namajunas. The 115-pound division is an embarrassment of riches and even with the recent retirement of Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the division has an abundance of top names who can potentially scrap for the belt.
According to Esparza, Marina Rodriguez is the most deserving candidate from this lot and she placed the Brazilian above the woman who retired Joanna Jedrzejczyk in Zhang Weili. Marina Rodriguez’s rate of activity and high-level wins have impressed Esparza and she’s keen that Marina Rodriguez secure the next title shot.
“I don’t think [Zhang] is [more deserving],” Esparza told MMA Fighting. “I think that Marina has won five straight, I think she’s beaten top-level competition. She’s been staying active, and for me, she’s proven herself. She deserves a title shot. But for whatever reason, I’m sure there’s a lot that goes into it and Weili is getting the shot.”
“For me, I fight whoever’s put in front of me, but doesn’t necessarily mean I think it’s fair or was the right call as far as the athlete goes.”
Additionally, ‘The Cookie Monster’ talked about how Rodriguez has grown significantly since their fight back in 2020. Esparza edged past Rodriguez, but the Brazilian has managed to pick up a number of high-level wins since then, most recently over Amanda Ribas.
“Every time I watch Marina, I see her getting better and better and beating top girls,” Esparza said. “Even having to knock somebody out twice in one fight in Amanda Ribas. She’s impressive.
“I definitely think she earned the title fight, and this is just the way it goes with the UFC sometimes. Whether it’s marketing or whatever else the reasoning, that’s just kind of how it goes, and you have to just roll with the punches.” [h/t mmafighting.com]
In the eyes of many fans, it’s finally time for Marina Rodriguez to make a run towards the top of the division. However, Zhang Weili’s potential ‘Knockout of the Year’ might just be the marquee factor standing in her way.
