UFC Vegas 89: UFC Apex; Las Vegas, Nevada
Looking to become a two-division champion is a big thing on the mind of Rose Namajunas. But first she needed to get a victory. And she secured her first win at flyweight after a 49-46 2x, 48-47 unanimous decision over the eighth ranked Amanda Ribas. Was it the prettiest thing ever? No. And as she put it post-fight, there’s still a lot of things to work on.
Not having to cut the last ten-pounds to get to strawweight has her bigger. But with size usually comes losing some speed. However, her footwork is still as good as it has always been. Darting in and out kept her away from eating damage from Ribas. The win also ends her mini two-fight losing streak.
When the duo got close Ribas was able to get Namajunas to the mat consistently. However Namajunas’ above average ground skills got her to roll out of trouble and into a controlling position. Although she never did any serious damage, despite being in Ribas’ guard for more than five-minutes total.
Ribas used a kicking attack to keep things even on the feet as both continued to switch stances. With only a couple of them providing loud thuds. Both fighters were on their bikes for the full 25-minutes. A first time for Ribas, who continues to flip-flop wins and loses since 2021. The striking for “Thug Rose” wasn’t as crisp as in the past. Perhaps it has something to do with the absense of coach Trevor Whittman. Something that the 31-year old said she’d discuss after the fight.
The First Win At Flyweight Is Nice And Gives Thug Options
She said she’d keep an eye on next weeks Atlantic City main event between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot; who she’s lost to. In looking for a possible rematch she also is thinking of red hot Maycee Barber.
What Namajunas has in her favor against the three is experience, and the ability not to be gun shy in a big spot. However she falls short in the power punching against the trifecta. But after taking out number eight in the rankings she should find herself in the middle of the rankings now.
Which could hand her a much different opponent. She has split two-fights against Jessica Andrade, who has to deal with Marina Rodriguez at UFC 300 in April. Finishing their rivalry off if “Bate Estaca” wins is something that might be targeted for international fight week.
Not only would neither deal with a hard weight cut, but by then Namajunas should be able to work out her kinks at 125. In Namajunas’ decision win, she pushed Andrade hard on the mat, and almost finished her. It would be fireworks with both throwing primed leather.
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