UFC Fight Night 137: Santos vs. Anders - Predictions and Picks

#5 Randa Markos vs. Marina Rodriguez

Randa Markos has an experience advantage on Saturday

A popular member of the Ultimate Fighter 20 cast, Canada’s Markos surprised everyone by submitting highly-ranked Tecia Torres and Felice Herrig en route to the semi-finals of the tournament to decide the inaugural UFC Strawweight champion, before succumbing to future champion Rose Namajunas. Since then she’s had an up-and-down UFC career, alternating wins with losses to go 4-5, but it is notable that she’s never really been outclassed despite tough opposition.

This time she’s faced with Brazilian newcomer Rodriguez, who brings in an undefeated record of 10-0 largely from the Brazilian regional scene. Her last fight came on the Brazilian version of Dana White’s Contender Series, as she took out her opponent via TKO in just over three minutes.

Judging on that fight, Rodriguez fights largely as a counterstriker in the Thai style, using knees and elbows from close quarters to great effect. She also appears to have a rudimentary ground game, although she’ll likely be outgunned by Markos – who has very solid grappling - in that area.

This looks like a tough fight to call – Rodriguez is largely a question mark due to the general dearth of footage on her, but what is available seems to show some talent. Markos meanwhile is talented, but also hugely inconsistent. However, the fact that she came close to beating the likes of Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Alexa Grasso – and does have a win over Carla Esparza – makes me lean towards her experience pulling her through.

The pick: Markos via decision