Expect Carla Esparza to continue fighting for the UFC going forward.
Last week, it was announced that the former UFC Strawweight Champion was set to make her return to face Marina Rodriguez on July 15 and now, it's been confirmed that the 32-year-old has signed a four-fight deal with the promotion:
“Carla is signing a new multi-fight deal that is well deserved and one that she is very happy with,” Esparza’s manager Brian Butler of Suckerpunch Entertainment told MMA Fighting. “Her next fight will be July 15th vs. another talented and ranked opponent in Marina Rodriguez.”
Despite dropping the belt to Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 185, Esparza has been able to remain one of the top competitors within the strawweight division. Currently, Esparza is on a three-fight winning streak, with her victories coming over Virna Jandiroba (via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 150), Alexa Grasso (via majority decision at UFC Fight Night 159) and Michelle Waterson (via split decision at UFC 249).
The California native first made her debut on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 20 and went on to beat Rose Namajunas to become the inaugural strawweight champion. Prior to her transition into the UFC, Esparza made a name for herself in Bellator MMA, Invicta Fighting Championships, and Xtreme Fighting Championship. She currently has a record of 16 wins and 6 losses, and is ranked #7 in the division.