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Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson made her UFC debut at The Ultimate Fight Season 21 Finale on Sunday night, defeating Angela Magana to mark a successful return to strawweight.

The former Invicta FC Atomweight champion signed with the UFC in April, 2015, and she showcased why she is expected to make a big splash in the 115lb division.

In her post-fight interview with UFC play-by-play Jon Anik, ‘The Karate Hottie’ Waterson said: “Martial arts isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life and if you do it right you can conquer your biggest fears.

“Thank you Dana and UFC, Lorenzo for offering me this opportunity.”

Magana worked for a tight armbar during the bout, holding onto Waterson for dear life, but was unable to finish the illusive Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts fighter.

“She locked that armbar on and I know she was pretty adamant about finishing it,” said Waterson, “but this was my UFC debut, I’m not going out like that.”

The end came in the third round, where Waterson used her striking well to tire down ‘Your Majesty’ before finishing with a secure, face down rear naked choke.

29 year-old Watserson spoke about her preparation under Greg Jackson, and changing up her style for the better: “This camp we’ve just been working on a lot on wrestling, a lot on changing my mentality from being a defensive grappler to being more of a aggressive grappler and wrestler, so I was able to put those changes to use tonight.”

The win opens up a few interesting bouts for Waterson, who will likely face someone just outside the top ten.

Match-ups with Ireland’s Aisling Daly and Heather Clark are intriguing, with a grudge match against Jessica Penne; whom she defeated in Invicta FC, an option down the line as well.

Meanwhile, Magana now slips to her fourth loss in a row, and will likely face the UFC cut.