Three Best Michelle Waterson Fights

The American of Thai descent, Michelle Waterson is one of the most exciting female prospects in UFC today and will soon have another opportunity to display her incredible talents at UFC 229.

Michelle Waterson debuted in the UFC on July 12, 2015 on the Ultimate Fighter finale. Waterson defeated Angela Magana with a tight rear naked choke for the dominating submission victory.

Formerly the Invicta FC Atomweight Champion, Waterson built an impressive reputation in the female-centric MMA promotion.

Waterson fought four times for Invicta FC, main-eventing three of those cards, gaining plaudits for her excellent submissions skills.

The 32-year-old possesses all the qualities required to be a top line UFC fighter for many years to come.

At UFC 229, on October 6, 2018, Waterson will return to the Octagon to face former Kickboxer, Felice Herrig.

Herrig is coming off a tight split decision loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 223 and will be eager to return to the win column against Waterson.

However, Waterson, as the more dynamic and younger fighter, will be confident of adding another significant victory to her burgeoning MMA career.

This slideshow revisits her three finest performances to date.

#3 versus Jessica Penne - Invicta FC 5 (April 5, 2013)

Michelle Waterson catches Jessica Penne with a leg kick

Michelle Waterson impressed the world when she took on Invicta FC Atomweight Champion, Jessica Penne, with the title on the line.

Waterson found herself in an arm-bar that the Champion locked in tight. Normally, this would spell the end for most fighters. However, Waterson is not most martial artists.

Impressively withstanding the submission hold, Waterson came out swinging in the next round, defending a Penne take-down attempt, took her back and locked in an arm-bar of her own. Penne, unlike Waterson, tapped out.

Waterson was the new Champion, in impressive fashion.

#2 versus Lacey Schuckman - Invicta FC 3 (October 6, 2012)

Michelle Waterson is victorious against Lacey Schuckman

Michelle Waterson took on Lacey Schuckman in a match that yielded "fight of the night" honours in a hugely entertaining, incredibly tight bout.

Action packed from the start, both fighters attempted numerous submissions and at varying points, both were close to finishing the fight. Waterson was eventually declared the victor after three rounds by split decision.

Waterson had arrived in Invicta FC.

#1 versus Paige VanZant - UFC on FOX (December 17, 2016)

Michelle Waterson submits Paige VanZant

Michelle Waterson's finest fight of her career and the high point of her UFC tenure so far came against Paige VanZant in her second UFC bout.

Coming into the fight as the smaller of the two fighters and lacking the cardiovascular conditioning of her opponent, Waterson was considered the underdog in many quarters.

Waterson dominated from the start. She skilfully took VanZant down and took her down on the ground, turning a body triangle into the match-winning choke.

A world-class performance which turned Waterson into a genuine UFC title contender.