Marina Rodriguez and the Search for Closure

Marina Rodriguez still clings to hope’s glimmer in her late 30s.

The battle-tested Brazilian will attempt to get back on track in the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s strawweight division when she squares off with Iasmin Lucindo as part of the UFC 307 undercard this Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Rodriguez has compiled a 7-4-2 record across her 13 assignments inside the Octagon, but losses in three of her past four outings point to a potentially alarming downturn.

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“My UFC career has always been tough,” she told Sherdog.com. “I’ve always faced the best fighters in our weight class—fighters ranked above me with bigger names and more experience. I’ve been growing in experience by fighting the best inside the Octagon. A fighter’s life isn’t always made of happy things. It’s hard to give great performances every time. No one is unbeatable. Everyone goes through bad periods, but that doesn’t erase what’s been built during one’s career.

“I see myself as the best,” Rodriguez added. “I’m ranked number six, and I’ve been as high as number three in the world. I came close to fighting for a belt about three times.”

The road does not get any easier with Lucindo, who brings a combination of exuberance and momentum to the table. The 22-year-old has rattled off 10 victories in 11 appearances, an August 2022 decision defeat to Yazmin Jauregui her only misstep. Lucindo last competed on May 4, when she was awarded a three-round unanimous verdict over Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 301.

“She is young and likes to brawl,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t think striking will be her Plan A. I hope it is. I like to fight aggressive girls, as opposed to someone who simply waits to counter or for a chance to get a takedown. If she wants to bang, the fight will be very interesting. I believe that’s my path to victory. I expect I’ll connect with a heavy hand so I can win by knockout—either a knockout, or I’ll get a knockdown so I can finish her on the mat.”

Rodriguez continues to operate out of the Thai Brasil camp in Florianopolis, Brazil, where she trains under Marcio Malko. She carries full confidence in her preparation.

“I’ve been there from day one, when I started out in a muay thai beginner’s class,” she said. “My team is very well staffed, in technical training, management and training partners. There is no single strategy. We just plan to bang it out. Of course, there are a couple of places where Iasmin can be dangerous, but the key is to be aggressive and hungry to win. I’m confident it will all work out and I’ll be the winner.”

Rodriguez, at 37 years of age, finds herself in a struggle for survival inside the Top 10 at 115 pounds. She last suited up at UFC 300, where she wound up on the wrong side of a split decision against Jessica Andrade on April 13. Rodriguez admits her patience has been tested through the years.

“It can be discouraging,” she said, “but we never give up on our primary goal, which is to fight for the championship. I believe I have it in me. If necessary, I’ll do it all again. To be the champion is possible, and that’s what I’m working for. I didn’t come to the UFC to be yet another fighter.”