Rose Namajunas, a former two-time strawweight champion and currently ranked No. 7 in the flyweight division, faced off against No. 11 ranked Miranda Maverick in a highly anticipated co-main event at UFC Atlanta on Saturday. This match marked an important moment for both fighters, with Namajunas aiming to rebound after her loss to Erin Blanchfield in 2023, while Maverick sought to extend her winning streak.
Namajunas, known as "Thug," moved up from the strawweight category in hopes of capturing a second divisional title. Since the transition to the 125-pound weight class, she has recorded a mixed record of 2 wins and 2 losses. On the other hand, Maverick entered the octagon with momentum from a four-fight winning streak, her most recent victory being a unanimous decision against Jamey-Lyn Horth in December 2022. The stakes were high as both fighters aspired to secure a significant win and enhance their standings in the competitive UFC landscape.
From the beginning of the fight, Namajunas showcased her striking skills, using her jab effectively to measure distance. Maverick responded with two leg kicks and a forward combination, establishing an aggressive posture. As the exchange continued, Namajunas applied the pressure and landed a powerful right hand. However, a looping left from Maverick caused Namajunas to lose her balance. Looking to counter, Namajunas clinched with Maverick and attempted a takedown, which Maverick skillfully defended. The round concluded with Maverick landing a body kick, while Namajunas fired off a quick combination. MMAWeekly scored this first round 10-9 in favor of Maverick.
As the second round commenced, both fighters started with quick jabs, but Namajunas quickly began to close the gap. After pressing forward with combinations, she succeeded in taking Maverick down for a substantial moment. Maverick closed her guard, attempting to control Namajunas’ posture. Namajunas transitioned to side control, and despite Maverick's effort to roll to her knees, Namajunas took her back and pulled her back down to the mat. Although Namajunas looked for a rear-naked choke, Maverick defended well and scrambled into a top position, where she attempted an arm-triangle choke. Namajunas managed to escape, and the close round ended with Maverick delivering short punches. MMAWeekly awarded the second round to Namajunas with a score of 10-9.
In the final round, Maverick sought an early takedown, but Namajunas successfully defended and maneuvered free from the clinch. A precise right hand from Namajunas dropped Maverick to the canvas. Following up, she landed a hammer fist, showcasing her ability to capitalize on the moment. Namajunas briefly worked for an arm-triangle choke but opted to release it, allowing Maverick to scramble. Yet, Maverick found herself back in a vulnerable position on the bottom as the round closed with Namajunas on top. MMAWeekly scored this round 10-9 for Namajunas.
After the three rounds of intense competition, the judges determined the victor by unanimous decision, awarding the fight to Rose Namajunas. The official scorecards reflected a clear outcome: 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. This victory is a significant milestone in Namajunas’s career, reinforcing her presence in the flyweight division and setting the stage for her future endeavors within the UFC.
