5 female UFC fighters who are tougher than they look

Modified Jan 09, 2019 21:23 GMT

Felice Herrig moonlights as a model and a cosplayer

#4 Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson's good looks have earned her her 'Karate Hottie' nickname

The fact that Michelle Waterson is known as ‘The Karate Hottie’ should tell you a lot about exactly why the Strawweight contender is far tougher than she looks. An MMA veteran dating back to 2007, Waterson also worked as a model from 2004 prior to taking up the sport full-time and rose to fame on the MTV kickboxing-themed reality show Fight Girls, which also starred Felice Herrig.

Waterson’s good looks and athletic build would admittedly suggest some kind of background in martial arts – which is accurate given she’s been practicing karate since the age of 10, hence the nickname – but at a glance, it’s hard to believe she’s ever been punched full-force in the face. Anyone who’s followed her UFC career would know that isn’t the case.

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Waterson currently holds a UFC record of 4-2, but in most of her fights including her victories, she’s had to fight through plenty of adversity. Tough fights with Felice Herrig and Cortney Casey saw her edge judges’ decisions, while her loss to Rose Namajunas saw her badly hurt with a head kick before she was submitted. Win or lose, ‘The Karate Hottie’ is one of the toughest women in the UFC – belying her good looks.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Vikshith R