UFC strawweight contender Michelle ‘The Karate Hottie’ Waterson is set for action at UFC Philadelphia this weekend, and she showed she’s in top shape during her open workout performance.

Waterson faces Polish former world title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz on the main card on Saturday night.

And the Albuquerque native showcased a glimpse of her skillset during the UFC’s open workout sessions ahead of fight night this weekend.

After working the pads with her husband and former US Armed Forces amateur boxing champion Joshua Gomez, she then showed off some of her high-kicking karate skills that helped give her the nickname ‘The Karate Hottie’.

After finishing off her workout and bowing to the crowd, Waterson grabbed the microphone and said that after years of being a relatively shy presence on the UFC roster, she’s finally beginning to find her feet.

“I feel good,” she said. “I’ve been fighting for 12 years now, professionally.

And with her daughter in the crowd and her husband in her corner, Waterson will look to claim one of the biggest wins of her career this weekend against Kowalkiewicz as she looks to propel herself into a world title fight.

Before she was a mother, her nickname was much more fitting. 

Take a look below to see what I’m talking about. 

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