Rose Namajunas (4-2) was billed as a test for Paige VanZant (6-2), a way to determine if the marketable and attractive young star had what it took to ascend to the upper echelon of the UFC’s strawweight division.
As it turns out, VanZant was not ready to even take the test. Not even close. But she can say she tried, and tried in a way that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who watched.
Namajunas battered VanZant for the entirety of their UFC Fight Night 80 main event in Las Vegas before finally submitting her in the fifth round. Namajunas, clearly the more skilled fighter, opened up a large gash on VanZant‘s cheek in the first round; by the end of the first frame, PVZ’s face was a crimson mask.
But she endured, even when completely outclassed and nearly submitted too many times to count. Namajunas won the fight everywhere, and VanZant made things more difficult for herself by constantly going for a judo throw; Namajunas reversed it every single time and ended up on top.
In the fourth round, the crowd in attendance gasped as Namajunas secured an armbar and, in what appeared to be the end of the fight, wrenched backwards. VanZant‘s arm popped in a strange direction. And yet, she did not tap. As she had done so many times on this night alone, she rolled out of the armbar and got back to her feet as the crowd roared.
In the fifth, VanZant‘s string of luck finally ran out as Namajunas secured a rear-naked choke. This time, VanZant could not find her way out, and she tapped. Namajunas rose to her feet and thrust her arms in the air.
VanZant was not ready for the level of competition Namajunas offered. But even in losing, she displayed a grit, endurance and will that could serve to make her an even bigger star. These are the kinds of traits that fans appreciate, and VanZant earned their respect on this night.
As for Namajunas, she continued the form she has displayed since losing the Ultimate Fighter finale to Carla Esparza a year ago, putting herself within shouting distance of a world title shot.
Per a UFC press release, she had the following to say after the fight:
“Coming in I knew I had to control my emotions. I couldn’t get overly excited so I stayed calm and remained in the moment. I thought I had the submission several times but I guess it just needed a little bit more. I listened to my corner the whole way through and took my time. I felt amazing in there and it was a big confidence booster to come out on top tonight. I want to take some time off and not rush anything. I want that title but I want to know I’m ready for it when it comes.”
Namajunas, ranked third coming into the contest, is likely at least one fight removed from a title shot. That honor belongs to No. 1 ranked Claudia Gadelha, who fought and came up just short to the current champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk earlier in their careers.
VanZant remains a work in progress. The UFC should simply look to match her up in a fight where she won’t get wholly outclassed, as she continues to to build herself up.
Jeremy Botter covers mixed martial arts for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
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