Rose Namajunas has accomplished much in her UFC career, including capturing the strawweight title twice. But now her career goals have shifted to 125 pounds, improving her weight class record to 2-1 with a five-round unanimous decision win against the previously unbeaten (in the UFC) Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision Saturday night in the main event.
Namajunas has competed in the UFC for over a decade against some of the sport’s greatest female fighters, but she has a bigger, loftier goal: bringing a UFC event to Lithuania.
Namajunas spoke to assembled media at the UFC Denver post-fight press conference and on the ESPN post-fight show regarding what it would mean to fight in a country with deep family ties. Simply put, Namajunas called it a “dream.”
““I had this vision, I want to fight in Lithuania one day,” Namajunas said. “Bring the UFC to Lithuania, and I would love to rematch Manon [Fiorot] or anybody for the belt, whatever. That’s my dream come true, but anything that the UFC has in mind, I’m cool with as well.”
Namajunas said she feels right in the mix at 125 pounds and is open to several options, but rematching Fiorot, the only woman to beat Namajunas at 125 thus far, could re-establish her readiness to chase another championship.
UFC Fight Night Denver: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez Live Results & Highlights
Namajunas said she is ready “whenever” to fight again, as she sustained no noticeable damage and secured a plethora of takedowns while using crisp, clean boxing techniques to secure the win.
For now, with the trilogy between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, the two coaches participating in TUF 32, it remains. to be seen where Namajunas, who entered the fight ranked No. 6, fits into the title picture.
Only time will tell, as UFC Denver marked the beginning of consecutive weekends of UFC events through Aug. 24.
UFC News: Conor McGregor Drops Bombshell Update on Date for Michael Chandler Fight
UFC Denver News: Fight Ends After Nasty Cut Leaves Fighter’s Eyebrow Hanging Off
UFC Denver News: Fighter Closes Prelims with Devastating Uppercut Knockout
UFC’s Conor McGregor, Dana White React To Donald Trump Assassination Attempt
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, WWE, and AEW.
