A women's strawweight matchup between Marina Rodriguez and Iasmin Lucindo will feature on the prelims card of UFC 307 on Oct. 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Rodriguez (17-4-2) was once a rising star in the 115-pound division, defeating several multiple big names. However, her more recent performances have left a lot to be desired. She is 2-3 in her last five, with her most recent fight at UFC 300 ending in a split-decision loss to former champion Jessica Andrade.
Regardless of her recent setbacks, the No.6-ranked contender holds wins against the likes of Mackenzie Dern, Amanda Ribas, and Yan Xiaonan among others.
On the other hand, Lucindo (16-5) has been unbeaten in the promotion since her debut loss to Yasmine Jauregui.
The 22-year-old is currently on a three-fight win streak, most recently beating Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 301 via unanimous decision. A win against Rodriguez would help her break into the top 10 of the division.
According to the bookmakers, Lucindo is a -170 favorite over Rodriguez, who is a +142 underdog for the matchup.
The preliminary card of UFC 307 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Check out the full fight card below:
UFC 307: Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Round 1
Lucindo opens up with a leg kick. However, Rodriguez is now pushing the pace. Lucindo attempts a scissor sweep unsuccessfully. The UFC veteran attempts to close distance but Lucindo halts her advance with a teep kick.
Rodriguez pushes her opponent to the canvas but chooses not to complete a takedown and lets Lucindo back up. A big right hand lands for Rodriguez. Lucindo employs a low kick.
A spinning back kick to the body lands for the 22-year-old. A massive right hand by Rodriguez stuns Lucindo. She continues her barrage with a knee.
A dazed Lucindo however rushes to take her opponent down. The young fighter is now trying to sink in some ground and pound on her opponent.
Our score: 10-9 Rodriguez
Round 2
A nice knee up the middle lands for Lucindo. However, Rodriguez is still on the front foot and seems very relaxed on the feet.
An elbow strike to the head lands for the veteran. Lucindo lands a right hand and Rodriguez comes back with a multi-punch flurry on her opponent's head. Lucindo once against levels the odds with a takedown.
Rodriguez seems trapped under her opponent and is doing little in the way of getting back up. She seems a bit puzzled on the ground, and the holes in her defensive ground game become apparent.
As the referee stands the fighters back up, Lucindo connects with a powerful spinning back kick.
Our score: 10-9 Lucindo
Round 3
As the final round commences, a clash of heads opens up a cut on Rodriguez. Lucindo realizes she has better success on the ground and goes for a takedown.
The youngster now has full mount. The referee stands up the fighters before warning Lucindo for stinking her chin in her opponent's eye socket.
Rodriguez lands a crushing elbow to her opponent's head. She continues her barrage with a flurry to the head before landing a powerful body kick. As Rodriguez distances, Lucindo connects with a right hand.
Lucindo traps her opponent in a heel hook, but Rodriguez connects with some strikes to the head forcing her opponent to give up on the submission. Lucindo however regains top control and eventually full mount and finishes the fight on top of her opponent.
Our score: 10-9 Lucindo
Official decision: Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Watch Iasmin Lucindo celebrate her win below: