Paige VanZant vs Michelle Waterson: Can the 'Karate Hottie' upset hometown favourite VanZant at UFC Fight Night in Sacramento?
Paige VanZant's Sacramento clash against Michelle Waterson is set to draw massive interest as two of the strawweight division's stars prepare to face off.
VanZant shot to prominence in the UFC and a spell on Dancing With the Stars further raised her profile, making her one of the most recognisable fighters in the UFC.
She will take on Michelle 'The Karate Hottie' Waterson in what should be an entertaining stand-up battle in California.
Paige VanZant will be fighting in front of her home support in Sacramento, California
Michelle Waterson will take on VanZant as a narrow favourite in the headline fight
The 22-year-old VanZant fights out of the Alpha Male gym and is coming into this bout full of confidence having forced a stoppage against Bec Rawlings in August.
Her display earned her Performance of the Night honours and '12 Gauge' will be gunning for another eye-catching show.
VanZant's strengths reside in the striking and durability department and the indicators are that this scrap will take place largely on the feet.
The 22-year-old shot to prominence in the UFC and on 'Dancing With the Stars'
VanZant took part in an open workout ahead of the main action on Sunday morning (UK time)
'12 Gauge' earned a Performance of the Night bonus in her previous encounter
Neither fighter boats particularly clean or efficient grappling skills and as Waterson's nickname suggests, her kicks form an integral part of her arsenal.
Waterson fights out of Alberquerque and her build up to this bout has been far from ideal.
She was intended to fight Tecia Torres at UFC 194 but withdrew after suffering a knee injury.
VanZant is one of the UFC's most recognisable female stars in the strawweight division
VanZant posted this picture with the message: 'Just letting you know I fight this Saturday'
The next set-back came as she broke her right hand two weeks prior to meeting Aisling Daly back in September, so octagon rust could play a part against VanZant.
Waterson has not been completely complementary of her adversary and spoken about VanZant's 'erratic' style throwing opponents off their rhythm.
Not only will Waterson have to contend with an unpredictable challenge on Saturday night, but a crowd will be willing her demise.
Waterson claimed that her opponent is occasionally erratic and unpredictable
Waterman posted on Instagram and said: 'Hey now, them quads though #ufcsacramento'
VanZant is fighting in her hometown with the support likely to flood in for both their strawweight hero and Uriah Faber who takes on Brad Pickett.
A former Invicta champion, Waterson has risen to prominence rapidly when she's managed to stay healthy and boasts a three fight winning streak inside the octagon.
All three of those triumphs came via submission so VanZant will have to err on the side of caution when letting loose with combinations and opening herself up for a take-down.
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