The former Strawweight Champion will return to the octagon in September at UFC Paris in her first-ever fight on European soil.
Rose Namajunas is one of the most recognizable faces in Mixed Martial Arts, and the two-time strawweight champion’s resume includes an impressive seven UFC title fights and six fight bonuses. According to MMA Junkie, September 2 marks her return to action as she will face Manon Fiorot at flyweight in what will be Namajunas’ first fight in over a year.
Her debut at flyweight will be a tricky test as Fiorot is currently riding a ten-fight win streak and is currently ranked number four in the flyweight division. Fiorot’s only previous defeat came in her first-ever MMA fight against Leah McCourt in 2018, and she’s remained unbeaten ever since with recent victories over Katlyn Chookagian and Jennifer Maia. Six out of ten wins for Fiorot have come via TKO, and she’s never been stopped; her defeat against McCourt was via a split decision during her spell with Cage Warriors.
‘Thug Rose’ holds one of the most memorable knockouts in Women’s MMA history, with her head kick against Zhang Weili at UFC 261 being revered for its crisp technique. Her fight will intrigue MMA fans eager to see how she adapts to her new weight class.
Namajunas’ last outing was an underwhelming decision loss to Carla Esparza in what some viewed as controversial. Regardless of whether the result was fair, it was undoubtedly one of Namajunas’ more lackluster performances, and she will be seeking to put that right against Fiorot.
The last time the former UFC Strawweight Champion was coming off a loss, she avenged her defeat against Jessica Andrade before back-to-back victories over Zhang Weili raised her profile to a whole new level. After losing her belt for the first time against Andrade, Namajunas enjoyed not feeling the pressure and demands of being the champion, which showed in her performances as she seemed more relaxed both inside and outside the cage.
Fast forward to June 2023, four years later, and ‘Thug Rose’ is returning from losing her title again, so if history is anything to go by, fans should be in for a treat come September 2. The winner of Namajunas vs. Fiorot will be in a great position to stake their claim as the number one contender in the Flyweight division.
The victor could face either Valentina Shevchenko or Alexa Grasso, whose rematch was confirmed by MMA Fighting earlier today. The fight will take place at UFC Las Vegas, scheduled two weeks later on September 16 at the T Mobile Arena. Grasso shocked the world when she dethroned the long-reigning Shevchenko at UFC 285 three months ago and will be looking to do the same again.
With Amanda Nunes retiring following her victory over Irene Aldana, it is time for a new Queen in the UFC. Rose Namajunas and Manon Fiorot will stake their claim for the crown in September.
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