Carla Esparza faces Marina Rodriguez in July after inking new four-fight deal with UFC

Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza has inked a new four-fight deal with the promotion and already agreed to her next fight.

Esparza is set to face Marina Rodriguez on an upcoming UFC Fight Night card in July with the event expected to take place on “Fight Island.” Both fighters have verbally agreed to the matchup with contracts expected to be issued in the coming days.

“Carla is signing a new multi fight deal that is well deserved and one that she is very happy with,” Esparza’s longtime manager Brian Butler of Suckerpunch Entertainment told MMA Fighting on Wednesday.

“Her next fight will be July 15th vs. another talented and ranked opponent in Marina Rodriguez.”

Esparza has won her last three fights in a row including a victory over Michelle Waterson in her most recent performance at UFC 249. As the promotion’s first ever 115-pound champion, Esparza remains a top contender in the division as she signs a new contract with the promotion.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez remains undefeated in her career with a 12-0-2 record. In a bizarre twist, Rodriguez has battled to a draw on two different occasions since joining the UFC including her last fight against Cynthia Calvillo.

Rodriguez holds wins over Tecia Torres and Jessica Aguilar after joining the UFC roster by way of Dana White’s Contender Series.