Even though she is just 32, Rose Namajunas is a modern women’s MMA pioneer. Namajunas first showcased an all-round MMA skillset in women’s MMA. The Lithuanian American’s best works were at strawweight, a divison she left three two fights prior.
A two-time champion at strawweight with two victories each over Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the arguable GOAT of the division, and Zhang Weili, the current champion, ‘Thug Rose’ was a menace at the UFC’s lowest weight class.
Namajunas Prioritizes Health and Accolades
The 32-year-old left the division after she lost the strawweight title to Carla Esparza at UFC 274 in a lackluster affair. Currently scheduled to headline the upcoming fight night event in Denver against Tracy Cortez, Namajunas opened up about her flyweight move in a recent interview.
“I felt like the weight cut was getting harder with each fight. I was cutting a lot of weight. For me, it felt like a lot. I know some people do big cuts, but I’m one for health and wellness. I know some of what we do is pretty dangerous, but if I can minimize my health deterioration, I’m going to take care of my health as much as possible,” Namajunas said to Jake Asman on Mad Dog Radio.
As for making the strawweight limit, she revealed she has no problems making 115 lbs. However, she stated that at 32, she doesn’t have much left in the sport. Therefore, she now prioritizes accolades over financial achievements, particularly becoming a two-division champion.
“After losing my belt to Carla, getting excited for the same division again felt hard, especially since Weili is the champ and I’ve beaten her twice. Doing it a third time is not out of the question. But I feel like there are more interesting fights to have. I also want to become a two-division champion,” said Thug Rose.
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Even though moving to flyweight helped her solve weight-cutting issues, it was not without any problems. During the initial phases of her transition to the new division, Namajunas suffered some injuries, mainly due to her added weight.
Next up for Namajunas is Tracy Cortez, who is envisioning a title shot at the Las Vegas Sphere by winning the UFC Denver main event. Will Namajunas upset Cortez’s plans? The betting odds say so.
Also Read Rose Namajunas Losses: Who Did ‘Thug’ Rose Lose To?
