Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson has signed a deal with the UFC. The company announced the signing on Monday. Waterson is a former Invicta FC atomweight champion, which is a 105-pound weight limit. The UFC does not currently have an atomweight division so Waterson will compete in the 115-pound straw-weight division further adding to its depth.
Waterson (12-4) has been with Invicta FC since 2012. Her last bout was in December against Herica Tiburico. Waterson lost the match by a third round guillotine choke. Prior to the loss, the 29-year old Waterson rattled off six consecutive wins and his 6-2 in her last eight bouts. Of her 12 career wins, seven have come via submission. She also has three knockout victories on her record so she is very well-rounded.
Waterson’s presence will bring added attention to the UFC’s newest division. With Paige VanZant, Felice Herrig, Rose Namajunas, and champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk the division has plenty of personality that will draw the attention of UFC fans everywhere.
Waters trains at the famous Jackson-Winklejohn fight camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Early reports have her making her UFC debut sometime this summer. No opponent has been named but Waterson does already own a victory over current UFC fighter Jessica Penne.