There are several major players jockeying for a shot at the women's strawweight crown under the UFC banner, and Tecia Torres and Michelle Waterson are definitely at the front of the pack.
Both are regarded as two of the best and most versatile fighters in the women's 115-pound collective, and they are now set to collide at UFC 194 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas. The matchup was announced by UFC officials on Monday (h/t Damon Martin Fox Sports) and will be a solid addition to an already stacked card that features two divisional title fights: Chris Weidman will look to defend his middleweight strap against Luke Rockhold in the co-main event, and featherweight king Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor will step in to unify the 145-pound crown in the headlining bout.
After a disappointing run on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter, Torres has rebounded strong and established her footing in the women's strawweight division. The Tiny Tornado has notched back-to-back victories inside the Octagon with her most recent win coming over striker Angela Hill at UFC 188 back in June. The American Top Team product has long been regarded as one of the best fighters in her weight class, and her recent performances have shown Torres is starting to live up to her expectations.
While Waterson is the newest addition to the women's 115-pound picture, she wasted no time making her presence felt in her new weight class. The former Invicta atomweight champion agreed to move up in weight in order to sign with the UFC, then put a drubbing on Angela Magana to pick up her first victory inside the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale back in July.
In the win over Magana, the Karate Hottie lived up to her nickname by showcasing a solid striking game but also put some versatile ground skills on display en route to getting her hand raised at fight's end.
Not only is the bout figured to be an action-packed affair, but also the current state of the women's strawweight title picture is one where the next title challenger could certainly emerge from the scrap between Torres and Waterson at UFC 194.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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