Michelle Waterson-Gomez Biography: Husband, Age, Daughter, UFC, Movies, Net Worth, Height

Michelle Waterson-Gomez, born Michelle Eileen Waterson and known as “The Karate Hottie,” is an American former mixed martial artist, model, and actress celebrated for her pioneering role in women’s MMA, particularly in the UFC Strawweight division.

A former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion, she competed in the UFC from 2015 to 2024, facing top fighters like Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Carla Esparza.

Her karate background, charisma, and acting roles in films like Fight Valley (2016) have made her a prominent figure in both combat sports and entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Michelle Eileen Waterson-Gomez
• Stage Name: Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson
• Born: 6, January 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Aurora, Colorado, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former Mixed Martial Artist, Actress, Model
• Height: 1.60m
• Parents: Lena Waterson, Robert Waterson
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Joshua Gomez (m. 2010)
• Children: Araya Gomez
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Michelle Eileen Waterson was born on January 6, 1986, in Aurora, Colorado, to Lena Waterson and Robert Waterson. Information about her siblings is not publicly available. Raised in a martial arts-oriented family, she began training in karate at age 10, earning a black belt in American Freestyle Karate by her teens.

She graduated from Aurora Central High School and briefly attended the University of Denver but left to focus on her martial arts and modeling career. Her ethnicity is Thai and Caucasian, and she has not publicly disclosed her religious beliefs.

Career

Michelle Waterson-Gomez began her combat sports journey in 2007, debuting as a professional MMA fighter at Rocky Mountain Nationals: Demolition with a unanimous decision victory over Krystal Macatol. She gained prominence in the Atomweight division, signing with Invicta FC in 2013 and capturing the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship by defeating Jessica Penne via fourth-round armbar at Invicta FC 5.

Her dynamic striking and grappling, rooted in her black belt in American Freestyle Karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earned her a reputation as a top female fighter. She also competed in Strikeforce and appeared on the reality show Fight Girls (2007), showcasing her Muay Thai skills.

In 2015, Waterson-Gomez joined the UFC’s Strawweight division, debuting with a third-round rear-naked choke submission over Angela Magaña at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. She faced elite opponents, securing notable wins against Paige VanZant (rear-naked choke, UFC on Fox 22, 2016) and Karolina Kowalkiewicz (unanimous decision, UFC on ESPN 2, 2019).

Despite losses to champions like Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, her performances earned her Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses. Outside the octagon, she pursued acting, starring in Fight Valley (2016) alongside Miesha Tate and appearing in The Long Game (2023). Her modeling career included features in ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue and fitness campaigns.

Waterson-Gomez retired from MMA in October 2024 after a unanimous decision loss to Gillian Robertson at UFC 303, concluding a career with a 18-13 record. Her final years included a five-fight losing streak, but her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s MMA endures, particularly for inspiring smaller fighters in the Strawweight division.

She continues to act, with recent roles in The Long Game and a focus on family and coaching. Her influence is evident in her advocacy for women in sports and her contributions to martial arts through teaching and community engagement.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @karatehottiemma
• Facebook Handle: @karatehottiemma
• Twitter Handle: @karatehottiemma

Personal Life

Michelle Waterson-Gomez married former amateur boxer Joshua Gomez in 2010. The couple welcomed their daughter, Araya Gomez, in 2011, and Waterson-Gomez has balanced motherhood with her career, often sharing family moments on social media. A survivor of domestic violence from a previous relationship, she has spoken openly about her experiences, advocating for awareness and empowerment.

Her lifestyle reflects her martial arts roots, with a focus on fitness, yoga, and coaching young athletes at her family’s gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Filmography

• Fight Girls (2007)
• Fight Valley (2016)
• The Long Game (2023)

Net Worth

Michelle Waterson-Gomez has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her income primarily stems from her UFC fight purses, including bonuses for Performance and Fight of the Night awards. Additional revenue comes from acting roles in films like Fight Valley and The Long Game, as well as modeling contracts and sponsorships with fitness and apparel brands.