The women’s strawweight champion has started a new fight camp, but there’s no official word on opponent or date.
“Thug Rose” has begun preparations for her next title defense. The big question is: against who?
Rose Namajunas’ management company Sucker Punch Entertainment revealed the news in a recent Instagram post, saying “So this is day one of camp” alongside a video of Namajunas working body shots with her head coach Trevor Wittman.
Thus far we haven’t heard a whisper from the UFC or press on who the women’s strawweight champion will face in her first defense since defeating Zhang Weili in April of 2021. The biggest fight would be an immediate Zhang rematch, but it would be hard to justify that considering Rose KO’d her in just over a minute the last time they fought.
Right below Zhang at #2 in the UFC rankings is Joanna Jedrzejczyk, but “Thug Rose” is 2-0 against her, and Joanna’s record since those two losses is 2-2.
Most likely from our point of view is #3 ranked Carla Esparza, who is riding a five fight winning streak. Her last win was an impressive TKO victory over #4 ranked Yan Xiaonan in a fight many felt was a #1 contender match. Still, the UFC hasn’t come out and said anything since the victory to confirm that sentiment.
Whatever the case, we’re sure Sucker Punch Entertainment is happy. Not only do they rep Rose Namajunas … they also manage Zhang Weili and Carla Esparza as well. So however it goes (Jedrzejczyk excepted) they’ll be double dipping on agent fees.
We’ll let you know when Namajunas has a fight date and opponent as soon as word drops.