Fans are in for major disappointment if they expect to see Rose Namajunas in the 115-pound division again.
Namajunas, who boasts a record of 11-5 in MMA and 9-4 in UFC, is gearing up for her flyweight debut against the esteemed contender Manon Fiorot, known for her 10-1 MMA record and an impressive 5-0 record within UFC. This high-stakes clash has been designated as the co-main event for UFC Fight Night 226, a much-anticipated spectacle scheduled to unfold at the prestigious Accor Arena in Paris.
Continue reading to find out Namajunas’ plans for this bout and more!
In relation to her transition to the flyweight category, Namajunas shared her perspective on the challenges of acclimatizing to a new weight range following a notable physical transformation. The notion of returning to the strawweight division after this shift seems to be a formidable prospect, as she herself acknowledged. She envisions reverting to the 115-pound weight class as a strenuous endeavour, considering her present comfort zone is around 135 pounds or even waking up at that weight. This assertion underscores the considerable adjustment required to navigate between these weight classes.
Namajunas’s reflections offer insight into her resolute commitment to her newly embraced weight division as she adapts to the transformations it necessitates. The impending showdown against Fiorot serves as a testament to her dedication, with the bout poised to deliver riveting action and intensify the anticipation surrounding UFC Fight Night 226.
Namajunas’ decision to move up in weight was not sudden; she had long held a goal of becoming a two-division champion.
According to Namajunas, she had been contemplating this move for a while. When she was younger, she set various career goals, and although becoming a double champion was not at the forefront, it was still a goal she aimed for. Now, that goal has become a reality. Namajunas is known for surprising people, and she mentioned that it aligns with her style.
After a title loss to Carla Esparza in May 2022, Namajunas found that making the weight for the strawweight division was still manageable. However, she started feeling negative effects from the weight cuts.
She explained that the process of cutting weight wasn’t excessively challenging for her, but she didn’t feel entirely comfortable with it. Being dehydrated while taking punches, she believed, required more than a day to fully rehydrate the brain after such significant water reduction.
Namajunas admitted that competing in a dehydrated state wasn’t optimal, affecting not only her performance but also her kidney health. She observed her body naturally gaining more weight, and when she decided to move up a weight class, she incorporated more weightlifting, increased her calorie intake, and adjusted her eating habits.
These insights from Namajunas shed light on her considered approach to her career and well-being, reflecting the challenging dynamics of her sport.
What do you think of Namajunas’ current action plan? Comment below to let us know!
