With Joanna Jedrzejczyk finally in her rear-view mirror, women’s Strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, embarked on a new challenge tonight (Sat., May 11, 2019) in the form of No. 1-ranked contender, Jessica Andrade, in the main event of UFC 237, which took place inside Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
And what started off well for “Thug Rose,” ended in a brutal instant.
Namajunas — the underdog heading into the bout — showed no fear of the power-punching Brazilian, unleashing jabs and combinations early, bloodying the face of Andrade. Having enough, Andrade bum rushed her, mashed her up against the fence and angled for a big slam; however, Namajunas had her arm locked up in a kimura. Andrade eventually dumped her to the canvas, but Namajunas locked up an armbar, which Andrade was able to escape. On the restart, Namajunas drilled Andrade with a hard knee in the clinch, sending her flying across the Octagon. Namajunas went in for the kill, but Andrade was able to get back to her feet and the two returned to the center of the Octagon to trade shots. It was a fantastic first round for the champion.
Namajunas continued to put on a boxing clinic to start the second round, while Andrade barreled her way into range, hoping to land a hellacious haymaker. Namajunas was just too technical, slipping and ducking her way to safety. Andrade was able to pin Namajunas up against the fence and angled for another slam. Namajunas once again locked in the kimura as a defense, but this time Andrade was able to lift her up and slam “Thug Rose” onto her head. The minute Namajunas hit the canvas she was out cold. Andrade landed a few more shots at the end, but the damage was already done.
Wow — that was impressive! Andrade — who was getting pieced up the entire fight — used sheer strength and power to win a world title … in devastating fashion.
And new!
For complete UFC 237: “Namajunas vs. Andrade” results, including play-by-play updates, click here.