- George Chung
- Oct 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Rose Namajunas, has been a beacon of resilience and talent in the world of mixed martial arts. Her journey through the UFC is one of grit, mental fortitude, and perseverance. From her meteoric rise to the top to her turbulent title reigns, Namajunas has constantly evolved as both a fighter and a person.
Now, as she prepares to face the surging Erin Blanchfield in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi in Edmonton, Canada, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what Thug Rose brings into the Octagon.
Early Life and Entry into MMA
Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Namajunas faced a tough childhood. She endured personal and familial challenges that shaped her early resilience, channeling her strength into martial arts. Rose began her training in Taekwondo at just five years old, later adding karate and BJJ, which sharpened her skills. This early discipline prepared her for the rigors of MMA and helped her develop her signature approach, blending striking finesse with strategic grappling.
Her debut in professional MMA in 2013 quickly caught the attention of UFC fans and officials alike. She showcased her potential in "The Ultimate Fighter" (TUF) Season 20, where she made it to the finals, setting the stage for a remarkable UFC career.
In 2015, Rose faced Tecia Torres and won via unanimous decision, making a statement as a top contender. Despite suffering a setback in her fight with Karolina Kowalkiewicz in 2016, Rose regrouped and returned to the cage with renewed focus and determination.
Her breakthrough came on November 4, 2017, at UFC 217 when she faced then-champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Namajunas shocked the world with a first-round TKO victory, claiming the strawweight title and putting the division on notice. The win was a turning point for Namajunas, solidifying her as one of the UFC’s top athletes.
The First Title Reign and Redemption
Rose’s reign as champion began with a rematch against Jędrzejczyk at UFC 223, where she defended her title with a unanimous decision victory. However, in May 2019, she faced Jéssica Andrade in a brutal fight in Brazil, where she lost her belt after being slammed to the canvas in the second round. This defeat led Namajunas to take a break from the Octagon, reflecting on her career and contemplating retirement. However, her fighting spirit prevailed, and she made a powerful return in 2020, defeating Andrade in a rematch at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi.
Reclaiming the Throne
In 2021, Namajunas squared off against Zhang Weili, the fierce Chinese champion known for her striking prowess and explosive power. UFC 261 became a career-defining moment as Rose landed a head kick in the first round that stunned Weili and recaptured her title. The knockout was electrifying, and her emotional victory speech, declaring, "I am the best!" resonated with fans worldwide. Rose successfully defended her title against Weili in a razor-thin split decision rematch at UFC 268. However, her second title reign was short-lived; in May 2022, she faced Carla Esparza at UFC 274 in a fight that saw her relinquish her title in a lacklustre split decision.
Return to the Octagon: Facing Erin Blanchfield
After her loss to Esparza, Namajunas took time away from the Octagon to recalibrate. Her journey back to competition brings her face-to-face with Erin Blanchfield, a rising star in the flyweight division, this Saturday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. Blanchfield is renowned for her grappling, possessing a tenacious ground game and unyielding stamina. Currently on a five-fight win streak, Blanchfield has been rising through the ranks with impressive victories over names like Molly McCann and Jessica Andrade.
The bout promises an intriguing clash of styles: Rose’s precision striking, mental toughness, and veteran experience against Blanchfield’s aggressive grappling and hunger to break into the top echelon. For Namajunas, this fight is a critical test of her evolution since her last Octagon outing, as she seeks to prove her resilience and reclaim her status as a formidable force within the UFC.
What’s at Stake for Namajunas?
A win over Blanchfield could launch Namajunas into title contention in the flyweight division, potentially putting her on a collision course with reigning champion Alexa Grasso or former champion Valentina Shevchenko. For Blanchfield, this fight is an opportunity to solidify her place as a top contender and showcase her skills against a veteran champion.
As Namajunas enters the cage this Saturday, the stakes have never been higher. She faces not just a rising star in Blanchfield but also the challenge of reclaiming her place in the UFC spotlight. A win in Edmonton would not only revitalize her career but also cement her legacy as one of the most resilient fighters in UFC history. Fans worldwide eagerly await this electrifying matchup, wondering if Thug Rose will rise again.
