Former UFC champion Rose Namajunas is looking forward to her next fight after a hard-fought victory over Miranda Maverick at UFC Atlanta. This co-main event showcased Namajunas's resilience as she faced significant challenges. Maverick almost secured a submission in the second round, pushing Namajunas to the limits. However, Namajunas rebounded strongly and secured a decision victory that underscores her status in the flyweight division.
With this win, the question on many fans' minds is: who will be Rose Namajunas's next opponent? As the flyweight division continues to evolve, a number of exciting contenders are ready to make their mark. At the post-fight press conference, Namajunas shared her thoughts on potential matchups that could shape her journey toward another title shot.
Namajunas initially eyed Viviane Araujo, but Araujo is scheduled to face Tracy Cortez in an upcoming bout. “Before this fight, I was looking at Viviane, but she’s matched up with Tracy,” Namajunas explained. She also noted that she recently fought Erin Blanchfield, making another match against her unlikely for now. Namajunas mentioned fighters like Natalia Silva and Alexa Grasso as other viable options that could help her climb the rankings. “Any of those girls, anybody that’s in the top five or whatever,” she said, indicating her desire to face top-tier competition.
Namajunas is particularly interested in Grasso, citing a stylistic advantage for their potential matchup. "I think Alexa Grasso would probably be stylistically a little bit better for me," Namajunas stated. She acknowledged Grasso’s significant experience in title fights, suggesting that experience could play a crucial role in their bout. On the other hand, Namajunas also spoke highly of Silva, describing her as a tricky opponent due to her quick speed and sustained stamina. “She would be, I think, more of a trickier fight,” Namajunas remarked.
As the landscape of women’s MMA shifts, Namajunas finds herself in a position to challenge not just for another fight but potentially for a title shot. She remarked, “If something crazy happens and I’m deserving of a title shot, I’d love that as well. But I want to be deserving, so whatever it takes to get that.” Her determination showcases her commitment to return to the championship level in the flyweight division.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Namajunas’s career will take her next. The competition in the flyweight division is fierce, and as newcomers emerge, established fighters like Namajunas must adapt and thrive to maintain their relevance in the sport. The anticipation builds as fight dates are set and matchups made, with Rose Namajunas solidly positioned for her next chapter in the octagon.
With matchups against top contenders like Natalia Silva and Alexa Grasso on the horizon, the next steps for Rose Namajunas promise to be exciting. Whether in pursuit of another title shot or proving herself against tough competition, Namajunas remains a fighter to watch in the UFC flyweight division.
