Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson
Born Michelle E. Waterson
(1986-01-06) January 6, 1986
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Other names The Karate Hottie
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)[1]
Weight 115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st)
Division Atomweight (2012-2015)
Strawweight (2007-2012, 2015-)
Style Karate, Wushu, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling
Stance Southpaw
Fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Team Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts
Rank Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate[2]
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Mixed martial arts record
Total 17
Wins 13
By knockout 3
By submission 8
By decision 2
Losses 4
By knockout 1
By submission 2
By decision 1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Michelle E. Waterson (born January 6, 1986) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is the former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion.

Waterson was the #6-ranked pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world by MMARising.com[3] and the #1-ranked Atomweight (105 lbs) according to the Unified Women's[4] and Fight Matrix all by the end of 2013.[5]

Early life

Born in Colorado Springs and raised in Aurora, Waterson is of Thai descent. She began her modeling career in 2004 after she graduated from Aurora Central High School.[6]

Early martial arts career

A karate student since the age of 10, Waterson holds a black belt in American Free Style Karate and has also trained in WuShu, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and wrestling.[7]

Waterson rose to fame as a contestant on the Muay Thai-themed Fight Girls reality show on the Oxygen television network.[8] She was also featured as one of the fighters in the MTV/MTV2 reality show Bully Beatdown.[9]

Professional mixed martial arts career

Waterson made her MMA debut on February 16, 2007 at Ring of Fire 28: Evolution against Andrea Miller and won the fight by unanimous decision.[10]

She faced Freestyle Cage Fighting champion Lynn Alvarez at Ring of Fire 31: Undisputed on December 1, 2007, but lost by submission in the first round.[10]

Waterson made her Strikeforce debut against Tyra Parker at Strikeforce: Payback on October 3, 2008.[8] She won the fight by rear naked choke submission in the first round.[11]

Waterson faced Karina Taylor at Duke City MMA Series 1 on March 1, 2009.[12] She won the fight by armbar submission in the first round. There was some controversy with this fight because Taylor did not tap out to the armbar.[13]

On April 11, 2009, Waterson fought former WIBA and IFBA Flyweight Boxing Champion Elena Reid at Apache Gold: Extreme Beatdown.[14] Reid won the fight by TKO in the second round.[15]

Waterson faced the debuting Rosary Califano at EB - Beatdown at 4 Bears 6 and won by submission due to a flying armbar in just 15 seconds.[16]

She faced Masako Yoshida at Crowbar MMA: Spring Brawl on April 24, 2010.[17] Waterson won the fight by TKO in the first round.[18]

Waterson returned to MMA on January 21, 2012. She faced Diana Rael at Jackson's MMA Series 7[19] and won the fight by rear-naked choke in the first round.[20]

Invicta Fighting Championships

Waterson faced Lacey Schuckman at Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama on October 6, 2012.[21] After three back and forth rounds, Waterson defeated Schuckman via split decision.[22] The bout was named Fight of the Night.[23]

Waterson challenged for the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship when she faced Jessica Penne in the main event of Invicta FC 5: Penne vs. Waterson on April 5, 2013.[24][25][26] Waterson won the fight via armbar submission in the fourth round to become the Invicta FC Atomweight Champion.[27][28] On September 6, 2014, Waterson successfully defended her championship against Yasuko Tamada in the main event of Invicta FC 8 via TKO in the third round.[29]

Waterson next headlined Invicta FC 10 on Friday, Dec. 5 in Houston against Brazilian Hérica Tibúrcio.[30] She lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the third round.[31]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On April 28, 2015 it was reported that Waterson had officially signed with the UFC and is expected to compete in the Women's Strawweight division. Waterson made her promotional debut against Angela Magana on July 12, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.[32] She won the fight via submission in the third round.[33]

Waterson was next expected to meet Tecia Torres at UFC 194.[34] However, she was forced to pull out of the bout on November 24, 2015 citing a knee injury.[35]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Personal life

On September 16, 2010, Waterson announced that she was pregnant with her first child and recently engaged.[39] She gave birth to a daughter named Araya on March 18, 2011.[40]

Media appearances

In 2008, Knockouts released a calendar featuring her.[41]

She is featured in the music video for Head Crusher, the first single from the Endgame album by the American Metal band Megadeth.[42]

On June 24, 2014 she appeared on American Ninja Warrior but failed to qualify when she fell on the first obstacle.

She was also featured on "Bully Beatdown".

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Paige VanZant UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson December 17, 2016 Sacramento, California, United States Main Event
Win 13–4 Angela Magana Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 3 2:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Strawweight.
Loss 12–4 Hérica Tibúrcio Submission (guillotine choke) Invicta FC 10: Waterson vs. Tiburcio December 5, 2014 3 1:06 Houston, Texas, United States Lost the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 12–3 Yasuko Tamada TKO (knee and punches) Invicta FC 8: Waterson vs. Tamada September 6, 2014 3 4:58 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Defended the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship.
Win 11–3 Jessica Penne Submission (armbar) Invicta FC 5: Penne vs. Waterson April 5, 2013 4 2:31 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Won the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship.
Win 10–3 Lacey Schuckman Decision (split) Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama October 6, 2012 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States Atomweight debut. Fight of the Night.
Win 9–3 Diana Rael Submission (rear-naked choke) Jackson's MMA Series 7 January 21, 2012 1 2:12 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 8–3 Masako Yoshida TKO (punches) Crowbar MMA: Spring Brawl April 24, 2010 1 4:17 Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Win 7–3 Rosary Califano Submission (flying armbar) EB - Beatdown at 4 Bears 6 February 13, 2010 1 0:15 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Loss 6–3 Elena Reid TKO (punches) Apache Gold: Extreme Beatdown April 11, 2009 2 1:50 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 6–2 Karina Taylor Technical Submission (armbar) Duke City MMA Series 1 March 14, 2009 1 2:36 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 5–2 Tyra Parker Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Payback October 3, 2008 1 1:20 Denver, Colorado, United States
Win 4–2 Krystal Macatol Submission (armbar) SCA: Bike n Brawl 2 August 23, 2008 1 0:22 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 3–2 Thricia Poovey TKO (corner stoppage) KOTC: Badlands July 12, 2008 2 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Loss 2–2 Lynn Alvarez Submission (guillotine choke) Ring of Fire 31: Undisputed December 1, 2007 1 1:19 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 2–1 Jaime Cook Submission (armbar) Ring of Fire 30: Domination September 15, 2007 1 1:33 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Loss 1–1 Alicia Gumm Decision (unanimous) RMBB: Battle of the Arts June 30, 2007 2 5:00 Denver, Colorado, United States
Win 1–0 Andrea Miller Decision (unanimous) Ring of Fire 28: Evolution February 16, 2007 3 3:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Card - The Ultimate Fighter Finale American Top Team vs. Blackzilians". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Michelle Waterson - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Women's MMA Pound-For-Pound Rankings". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  4. ↑ "Unified Women's Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
  5. ↑ "Current MMA Rankings - Women". FightMatrix.com. 2013-04-07. Retrieved 2013-04-12.
  6. ↑ "Michelle Waterson On The Cover of DSport Magazine". MMAFightGirls.com. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
  7. ↑ "Exclusive Interview With Michelle Waterson". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
  8. 1 2 "'Karate Hottie' Michelle Waterson readies for Strikeforce debut". MMAMania.com. 2008-10-02. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  9. ↑ "Michelle "The Karate Hottie" Waterson". MTV.com.
  10. 1 2 ""KARATE HOTTIE" RETURNS TO RING OF FIRE". ROFMMA.com. 2007-11-28. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  11. ↑ ""Strikeforce: Payback" live updates and official results". MMAjunkie.com. 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  12. ↑ "Duke City MMA Series 1". Sherdog.com. 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  13. ↑ ""Series 1" shows serious strengths First official Saenz-Jackson's card a hit in the Duke City; Barreras beats down Barlow in main go". NewMexicoCage.com. 2009-03-15. Archived from the original on July 22, 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  14. ↑ "Elena "Baby Doll" Reid takes on Michelle Waterson at 'Extreme Beatdown' on April 11". ProMMANow.com. 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  15. ↑ "Tuchscherer, "Baby Doll" Reid and Forbes win at Extreme Beatdown". MMAjunkie.com. 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  16. ↑ "Michelle Waterson Wins At Extreme Beatdown 6". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-02-21.
  17. ↑ "Waterson Set To Face Yoshida At "Spring Brawl"". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  18. ↑ "Waterson Wins Impressively At "Spring Brawl"". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  19. ↑ "Michelle Waterson Returns To Face Diana Rael In January". MMARising.com. 2011-11-18. Retrieved 2011-11-18.
  20. ↑ "Michelle Waterson Submits Diana Rael In Jackson's Headliner". MMARising.com. 2012-01-21. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  21. ↑ "Michelle Waterson vs Lacey Schuckman Agreed For Invicta FC 3". MMARising.com. 2012-08-15. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  22. ↑ "Invicta FC 3 Results: Jessica Penne Captures Atomweight Title". MMARising.com. 2012-10-06. Retrieved 2012-10-10.
  23. ↑ "Five Fighters Earn Bonuses At Invicta Fighting Championships 3". MMARising.com. 2012-10-07. Retrieved 2012-10-10.
  24. ↑ "Invicta FC 5 Targeted For April 13 In Cali, Champ Penne Meets Karate Hottie". MMAjunkie.com. 2013-01-10. Retrieved 2013-01-10.
  25. ↑ "Jessica Penne vs Michelle Waterson Announced For Invicta FC 5". MMARising.com. 2013-01-10. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
  26. ↑ "INVICTA FC BRINGS WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER TO AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY FRIDAY, APRIL 5". InvictaFC.com. 2013-02-11. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  27. ↑ "'Cyborg' Savages Muxlow, 'Karate Hottie' Crowned Via Dramatic Submission at Invicta FC 5". Sherdog.com. 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2013-04-12.
  28. ↑ "Invicta FC 5 Results: Michelle Waterson, Barb Honchak Win Titles". MMARising.com. 2013-04-06. Retrieved 2013-04-12.
  29. ↑ "Invicta FC 8 Results: Waterson Batters Tamada, Kankaanpaa Submits Eggink". CombatPress.com. 2014-09-06. Retrieved 2014-09-09.
  30. ↑ "Cristiane 'Cyborg' Justino Injured, Michelle Waterson vs. Herica Tiburcio Now Headlines Invicta FC 10". CombatPress.com. November 1, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Invicta FC 10 Results: Herica Tiburcio Stuns Michelle Waterson; Wins Title". fansided.com. 2014-12-05.
  32. ↑ Shaun Al-Shatti. "Ex-Invicta champ Michelle Waterson signs with UFC". MMA Fighting.
  33. ↑ Steven Marrocco (2015-07-12). "TUF 21 Finale results: Michelle Waterson submits Angela Magana in UFC debut". mmajunkie.com.
  34. ↑ Okamoto, Brett (2015-08-31). "Fight between Tecia Torres and Michelle Waterson added to UFC 194". ESPN. Retrieved 2015-09-22.
  35. ↑ Dann Stupp and John Morgan (2015-11-24). "Super card takes a hit: Michelle Waterson out of UFC 194". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
  36. ↑ Mitchell, Rew (2014-01-09). "WMMA 2013 Awards". Awakeningfighters.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  37. ↑ Archived January 6, 2015, at the Wayback Machine.
  38. ↑ "2014 Fight Booth MMA Awards". fightbooth.
  39. ↑ "WATERSON TAKING A BREAK TO START HER FAMILY". MMAWeekly.com. 2010-09-16. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
  40. ↑ "Congratulations to Michelle Waterson". Fightergirls.com. 2011-04-01. Retrieved 2011-04-02.
  41. ↑ "Michelle Waterson Featured in Knockout Haircut's 2008 Calendar". MMAFightGirls.com. Retrieved 2013-05-01.
  42. ↑ "Michelle Waterson Featured In Megadeth's "Head Crusher" Video". Noisecreep. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
Preceded by
Jessica Penne		 2nd Invicta FC Atomweight Champion
April 5, 2013 - December 5, 2014 		Succeeded by
Hérica Tibúrcio


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