Michelle Waterson-Gomez has had a successful career in the world of cagefighting, headlining UFC events, winning an atomweight championship with Invicta FC, and facing off against some of the best female fighters in the world. However, following her retirement announcement after a loss to Gillian Robertson at UFC 303, Waterson-Gomez is now looking forward to new opportunities outside of the octagon.
Now at 38, Waterson-Gomez is unsure of her future in fighting but is excited about exploring other avenues such as acting, broadcasting, coaching, and helping other female athletes and businesswomen achieve their goals. Despite her decision to step away from competition, she still aims to earn her black belt in jiu-jitsu and continue to support others in their pursuits.
After a string of losses, including her defeat to Robertson, Waterson-Gomez felt it was time to walk away from fighting. Despite the challenges she faced in her career, she cherishes moments like her victory over Jessica Penne to become Invicta’s 115-pound champion and her UFC debut win against Angela Magana.
Reflecting on her memorable fights, Waterson-Gomez recalls the determination and belief in herself that led to her triumphs. She considers these moments as some of her proudest achievements in her fighting career.
While Waterson-Gomez may have closed the chapter on her fighting days, she remains open to staying connected to the MMA world and continuing to engage with fans. She hopes to contribute to the sport in a different capacity moving forward.
I have a deep passion for broadcasting and would love to immerse myself in that world. However, I also cherish the magic of being a part of the MMA community. The thrill of competing, the nerves in the locker room, the roar of the crowd, the adrenaline of hearing Bruce Buffer announce my name, and the honor of being interviewed by Joe Rogan – these experiences are irreplaceable. The interactions with fans, the requests for photos and autographs, these moments are truly priceless. I am grateful for every opportunity I have had in this incredible world.