Another chapter in UFC history closed at UFC Des Moines as Marina Rodriguez, one of the strawweight division’s most respected veterans, laid down her gloves for good. Following a devastating second-round TKO loss against Gillian Robertson, Rodriguez walked to the microphone and declared her retirement from MMA. “This is my last fight because it’s time,” she said, teary-eyed. “My heart told me, ‘Marina, it’s time to do something new for this sport.’” After 25 professional fights, Rodriguez is officially retiring.
The Brazilian striker began her UFC career in 2018 after winning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in Brazil. She quickly proved she belonged to the biggest MMA promotion in the world, racking up solid victories and establishing herself as a strawweight contender. The 38-year-old was never afraid to take on a challenge, whether it was dominating performances against Amanda Ribas and Yan Xiaonan or headlining shows with her excellent Muay Thai talents. She may not have won UFC gold, but she came close—and earned every bit of respect along the way.
Saturday night’s fight was always going to be significant. Marina Rodriguez had lost four of her previous five fights, while Robertson was on a roll. The contest began competitively, but when Robertson got her groove in the second round, the tide shifted. A knockdown followed by relentless ground strikes brought the fight to a halt, signaling the end of an era. Robertson, now matched with Amanda Nunes for the most female finishes in UFC history, walked away with a signature victory, but all eyes were on the 38-year-old as she unwrapped her gloves.
Moments like this are always bittersweet. Marina Rodriguez did more than just fight; she helped define what a modern strawweight contender should look like: technically sound, mentally strong, and continually growing. Her journey featured ups and downs, but she remained graceful, tough, and committed to her craft. Maybe that is why when she announced that she is hanging up her gloves, fight fans couldn’t help but let their grudge against Dana White be known. But why? What is the reason?
Fans call out Dana White for screwing up Marina Rodriguez
Fans’ lingering frustration as Marina Rodriguez hung up her gloves in the Octagon was about more than just the end of a fighter’s journey; it was also about what never happened. For many, the 38-year-old was one of those rare talents who quietly did everything right but never received her due. Her striking was crisp, her resume was impressive, and after her 2021 victory over Mackenzie Dern, people regarded her as the next big thing. But the shot never arrived. Instead, she was passed over due to the politics of matchmaking and the UFC’s shifting objectives. When it was finally over, fans did more than just ponder; they pointed fingers. “She absolutely deserved the title shot, and the UFC screwed her over,” one fan stated clearly. Others agreed: “Always felt Marina was overlooked in the division.” Another fan commented, “Unfortunate she got passed up for a title shot when she rightly deserved it.” The sentiment wasn’t rare—it was almost universal.
Fans aren’t blind to how the sport works; they’ve seen favorites cross the finish line and promotional preferences influence careers. But with Marina Rodriguez, it stung much more. Perhaps it was because she had once been right on the edge. “Man, at one time she was the next one up for a title shot,” one fan recalls. “Feel bad for her; it wasn’t the best but was still very good.” Not long ago, the Brazilian was an obvious contender. Now, when the dust settles, the reality sets in: “To think that just 2-3 years ago she was considered a contender.” That’s the heartbreaking aspect of MMA—“Fickle sport, this,” one fan lamented. “One day, you’re a title contender. The next, you’re jobbing for one.” Another commented on how everything seemed to come down to the wire: “Had so much potential; fights always came down to close decisions, though.”
Despite the sting, fans showed up to say farewell. Retirement posts were swamped with passionate farewells, demonstrating that, while the UFC may not have given Marina her due, the community never forgot her work. “Have a great retirement, Marina,” one fan said. Another wrote, “absolute LEGEND. Enjoy retirement.” Others were simply shocked at how quickly time passed. “I didn’t realize she was 38. Amazing striker. Enjoy your retirement .” Marina Rodriguez may not have won a title, but she did earn something more valuable: the quiet, enduring appreciation of fans who saw her even when the promotion did not. What do you think? Did the UFC screw up the Brazilian’s title shot? Let us know in the comments.
The post “UFC Screwed Her”- Dana White Under Fire as Marina Rodriguez Gets Fan’s Sympathy for 1 Reason After Retirement appeared first on EssentiallySports.