Michelle Waterson-Gomez announced her retirement at UFC 303 following a unanimous decision loss to Gillian Robertson.
“The Karate Hottie” reflected on her decision to retire and the career she leaves behind in an emotional post-fight interview which featured a video package that looked back at what she has accomplished in the sport.
After making her pro debut in 2007, Waterson-Gomez eventually made her way to Invicta FC where she became the atomweight champion.
Her UFC debut came in 2015 and since then, she has been a staple of both the strawweight and flyweight divisions.
Five consecutive losses brings her 31-fight pro career to an end having headlined four UFC Fight Night events during her time with the promotion.
MMA Fans React To Michelle Waterson-Gomez’s Emotional Retirement
Despite her tough night at the office in having to deal with the grappling of Robertson, fight fans will remember Waterson-Gomez’s outing at UFC 303 for her emotional retirement.
Even UFC commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier got choked up following her words about the support she has received from her family.
The MMA fans responded and paid tribute to her career on social media.
Best of luck to Michelle Waterson-Gomes on retirement. Kickass fighter who loved the sport #UFC303
— MackTheKnife (@_MackTheKnife) June 30, 2024
Is someone cutting onions? What a career @karatehottiemma has had! Good luck with retirement! #UFC303
— Gman Shortz (@GmanShortz) June 30, 2024
Damn that retirement package for Michelle was amazing #UFC303
— Get Curry Some HELP!. (@HoundCB) June 30, 2024
I'm not crying watching Michelle Waterson-Gomez on #UFC303 retire, you are
— Dan Fernandez (@DanFdz89) June 30, 2024
UFC 303 giving me all the feels early on. Loved watching @karatehottiemma over the years. #UFC303
— Em Elizzy (@emilyeliz65) June 30, 2024
Waterson deserved so much better than to retire on an undercard after a fight she loses 99 out of 100 times.#UFC303 https://t.co/we4B40v216
— Josh Wahls (@joshwahls) June 30, 2024
Respect to Waterson-Gomez. A great pioneer who age sadly caught up to her quite drastically. Wish she got one last big win before this #UFC303
— MMA SZN (@mma_szn) June 30, 2024
Michelle Waterson-Gomez has always been a great ambassador for the sport. If she is done fighting, can see her as an analyst or the next big MMA coach. #UFC303
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) June 30, 2024
Quality send off w/ video package for Michelle Waterson’s final fight.
Consistently the smaller fighter throughout her whole ufc tenure cause they didn’t have her natural weight class. as tough as they come. #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/9nbnoFqVMd
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) June 30, 2024
