Marina Rodriguez blames early stoppage for UFC on ESPN loss against Amanda Lemos

Adam Miller

After losing to Amanda Lemos by third-round technical knockout (TKO) in the main event at UFC Vegas 64, Marina Rodriguez was devastated. The Brazilian summoned the courage to voice her displeasure at the early stoppage.

Marina Rodriguez believes she lost against Amanda Lemos because of the referee’s early stoppage. Throughout the event, Marina was repeatedly struck hard by Amanda Lemos, a well-known power striker. However, the heaviest hit came from a booming right hand at the start of the third round. Rodriguez was severely shaken by the hit, giving Lemos the chance to advance with a flurry.

Marina Rodriguez posted her instant reaction on Twitter:

“You stopped too soon! As a professional, I’m there to face a lot more, that’s what I’m in this game !!! It’s part of the game, win, lose, in different situations! We continue in our way! Thank you all for the support and cheerleading! #ufcvegas64”

Marina Rodriguez’s amazing four-win streak, which including triumphs over noteworthy opponents like Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xiaonan, was broken by Amanda Lemos.

https://twitter.com/EraserBy/status/1589064479177814017?s=20&t=PAFcqVDyMz4YbBHE2u6fJw

Rodriguez would have been next in line for the strawweight titleif she had won. With consecutive wins, Lemos moves up the list of contenders for the title.

After the bout, MMA supporters vehemently disagreed with Rodriguez’s judgement. Many fans used the comments area to express their unfiltered views on the finish.

One supporter predicted that the Brazilian will quickly recover from her defeat despite the fact that he wouldn’t deem the halt premature:

“It was a good stoppage. But I’m rooting for you in a great comeback! I still think Marina vs. Rose makes sense. And your grappling looked good at the end of the first round.”

Another supporter noted that Rodriguez wasn’t really injured permanently because of the referee:

“He saved you from instant CTE.”

Other fans made an effort to cheer her up and encouraged her to bounce back stronger:

“Minor setback for a major comeback Marina.”