Rose Namajunas, a former two-time UFC champion at strawweight, made a successful debut in the flyweight division by outpointing Amanda Ribas in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Namajunas ended a two-bout losing streak with a unanimous decision victory over Ribas, who is ranked ninth at strawweight.
During the fight, Namajunas showcased her superior striking accuracy, landing at just under 50%. While Ribas was busier with strike attempts, Namajunas was able to control the range and outstrike her opponent. Despite not delivering a lot of damage from the top position, Namajunas had nearly seven minutes of control time, which ultimately contributed to her victory.
Although Namajunas emerged victorious, she acknowledged that there are aspects of her game that still need improvement. She mentioned that she still has things to work on even after a dominant performance against Ribas. This self-awareness and drive to continuously improve are essential qualities for any athlete seeking to climb the ranks in their division.
Looking ahead, Namajunas expressed interest in facing the top flyweights in the division, including Manon Fiorot, Erin Blanchfield, and Maycee Barber, all of whom are ranked above her in the ESPN rankings. By targeting these high-ranked opponents, Namajunas demonstrates her ambition to challenge herself against the best in the flyweight division.
Rose Namajunas’ victory over Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night showcased her skills and determination to succeed in the flyweight division. With a strategic approach to striking, superior control time, and a mindset focused on continuous improvement, Namajunas proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in her new weight class. As she sets her sights on facing top-ranked opponents in the future, Namajunas is poised to make a strong impact in the flyweight division and solidify her position among the elite fighters in the UFC.