October 2, 2024

Marina Rodriguez injured, out of UFC Fortaleza fight with Alexa Grasso

Marina Rodriguez (left) fought to a draw with Randa Markos in her UFC debut.
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Fortaleza was hit with an injury, as Marina Rodriguez was forced out of a strawweight contest against Alexa Grasso on Feb. 2 in Brazil. The UFC announced the news over the weekend. Twitter user Rot was first to report the injury.

According to sources, Rodriguez suffered a hand injury and should be sidelined for a month and is expected to be able to fight again in March.

The UFC didn’t mention if Grasso will be given another opponent, but Invicta FC strawweight champion Virna Jandiroba went on her social media to volunteer to take the spot.

Rodriguez (10-0-1) was one of the Brazilian talents signed by the UFC through a special Contender Series season in August. Rodriguez steamrolled one-time Rizin veteran Maria Oliveira to earn a contract with the promotion, and fought to a majority draw against Randa Markos in her UFC debut.

Grasso (10-2) last fought in May, losing via first-round submission to Tatiana Suarez. She was scheduled to face Angela Hill in August, but was pulled from UFC Lincoln due to an injury. The Mexican fighter is 2-2 under the promotion with wins over Randa Markos and Heather Clark.

UFC Fortaleza will take place at the Centro de Formacao Olimpica in Brazil and features Raphael Assuncao vs. Marlon Moraes in the main event. Former featherweight champion Jose Aldo co-headlines the card opposite Renato Moicano.

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