Rose Namajunas, a two-time strawweight champion, is setting her sights firmly on flyweight gold. At 32, she's not looking back, even after mixed results in the 125lb division. Namajunas faces Miranda Maverick at UFC Atlanta, a fight she sees as a stepping stone towards a title shot.
The Allure of Flyweight
Namajunas explains her decision to stay at flyweight: "I've already got to the top of [the strawweight division]. With the time I have left in my career, this is the next biggest challenge. It got to the point at 115lb I had so many rematches and I was fighting the same people. I have that goal of becoming two-division champion." She's chasing fresh challenges and the prestige of holding titles in multiple weight classes.
Facing Miranda Maverick: Friend and Foe
The upcoming fight against Miranda Maverick presents a unique dynamic. The two are friends and training partners, adding an extra layer to the competition. Maverick acknowledges the familiarity, stating, "Rose and I have trained together, we know exactly what each other's gonna try to do... It's just gonna be a game of fight IQ and tenacity and mental toughness." While friendship exists, both are focused on victory.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Namajunas acknowledges recent setbacks, describing her loss to Erin Blanchfield as a "speed bump." However, she draws strength from past experiences, recalling a similar situation in her strawweight career where a loss forced her to rebuild. She remains confident in her ability to reach the top, believing a title shot is within reach. Namajunas' journey showcases resilience and an unwavering pursuit of greatness in the world of MMA.
- Namajunas focused on Flyweight title run
- Faces Miranda Maverick at UFC Atlanta
- Two-time Strawweight Champion