Rose Namajunas has had her fair share of challenges in the Octagon, but her next outing promises a different kind of challenge—bouncing back from a two fight losing skid.
The former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion is set to headline the upcoming UFC Vegas 89 event against Amanda Ribas on Saturday, March 30, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Rose Namajunas is on a two fight losing skid
“Thug” Rose’s last win in the cage dates back to UFC 268 in November 6, 2021 when Namajunas secured a five-round split decision victory over Zhang Weili, successfully retaining her UFC strawweight title and marking her second straight win over the Chinese fighter. However, what followed was two back to back losses.
In the co-main event of UFC 274 which took place in May 2022, she lost her UFC strawweight title to Carla Esparza in a five-round split decision defeat. After a year and four-month hiatus, Namajunas faced Manon Fiorot in a three-round bout at UFC Paris in September last year, aiming to bounce back from losing her belt, but unfortunately lost via unanimous decision.
Winning against Ribas- currently the 7th ranked fighter in the strawweight division, will put Namajunas on her path to redemption. However, the Brazilian is one of the tougher opponents that the former champion will lock horns against.
After the loss to Maycee Barber in June last year at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria, Ribas bounced back against her compatriot Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig in November. Known for her versatility and conditioning, Ribas predicted a third-round knockout victory over Namajunas earlier this month.
“If someone had said to me that in five years time I would be the main event of a card against Rose Namajunas, I would not have believed them and I would have told them to shut up,” said Ribas in an interview with Stake.com. “My manifestations for 2024 are simply being able to do in the octagon what I do in the gym on a daily basis and to be consistent with my skills. I’m training really well, and I just hope that I can get this big win.”
Namajunas’s recent losses have put her back against the wall, but she’s no stranger to adversity. Her technical skills and experience make her a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Ribas, with her well-rounded game, aims to capitalize on this opportunity and secure a significant win.
As UFC Vegas 89 approaches, fans eagerly await this showdown between two determined warriors. Will Namajunas bounce back, or will Ribas continue her ascent? Only time—and the octagon—will tell.
ALSO READ: Will Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Fight Happen In 2024?
SHARE
