The best and worst from UFC on Fox 29

#2 Best: Waterson is back on track... sort of

Michelle Waterson edged Cortney Casey in a tight decision

It seems an odd claim to make, but Michelle Waterson could actually be considered one of the more important fighters on the UFC roster right now. Not only is she hugely marketable with her ‘Karate Hottie’ gimmick, but if the UFC ever decides to implement an Atomweight (105lbs) class, the likelihood is that Waterson would be the fighter they’d look to push as a potential first champion.

For that to ever happen though, it’s important that Waterson doesn’t lose too many times at Strawweight. Going into last night’s fight with Cortney Casey, Waterson had her back to the wall following back-to-back losses to Rose Namajunas and Tecia Torres. Granted those are two top fighters, but a loss is a loss.

With different judges Waterson could’ve lost last night – Casey had her in trouble on the feet and on the ground, particularly with a third-round armbar attempt that looked sunk in – but she also showed a lot of technical skill and largely managed to outwrestle a bigger and stronger opponent, and landed some big shots standing too.

In the end, though, two of the three judges saw two razor-close rounds (the 1st and 2nd) in her favor and gave her a split decision win. Casey might be able to feel aggrieved, but for the future of a potential Atomweight class, it was probably better that Waterson took the win. The fact that the fight was super-exciting was a plus point, too.