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3 next opponents for Rose Namajunas following UFC Denver victory

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3 next opponents for Rose Namajunas following UFC Denver victory

As a devoted fan of women’s mixed martial arts and a follower of Rose Namajunas‘ career, I am thrilled to witness her impressive victory over Tracey Cortez at UFC Denver. Her determination and resilience were on full display as she scored a knockdown early in the first round and never let up until the final bell.

At UFC Denver, Rose Namajunas (14-6), a local favorite, triumphed with a unanimous decision against Tracey Cortez (11-2). Throughout the fight, Namajunas demonstrated impressive skills, knocking down Cortez just two minutes into round one. Her determination never wavered till the final horn sounded. With this victory, the previous two-time strawweight champion Namajunas advances her record to 2-1 in the flyweight division, suggesting she is thriving in this new competition class.

As a longtime fan of mixed martial arts and a dedicated follower of the flyweight division, I can’t help but feel elated by Rose Namajunas’ recent victory against Cortez. Ranked No. 6 in the division, Namajas entered this bout with the weight of expectation on her shoulders. She was originally slated to challenge the formidable Maycee Barber (14-2), who held the No. 4 spot, but an unfortunate illness forced Barber’s withdrawal from the card.

It’s becoming more plausible for Namajunas to secure a flyweight title shot, despite a rocky beginning in this weight class. Following her divisional debut loss to Manon Fiorot (12-1), victories over Amanda Ribas (12-5) and now Cortez have propelled her towards the top. Namjunas is displaying exceptional striking and grappling skills, suggesting she’s thriving in her new division.

If Namajunas continues to win in the flyweight division, she may earn a shot at the title. She expressed her desire for the belt during her post-fight interview with Paul Felder, saying, “I want the belt. Give it to me. I’m Colorado’s first UFC champion, so I aim to bring back the second one here.”

If current flyweight champion Alexa Grasso (16-3-1) and previous long-standing titleholder Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-1) have unresolved matters that are expected to be addressed before any other contender has a turn at the title, Rose Namajunas (11-5) might need to be patient before her title opportunity comes along.

I’m thrilled that there’s no lack of potential challengers for Namajunas as she keeps climbing the ranks and building her argument for a title shot.

1. Maycee Barber

As a fan, I strongly believe that rescheduling the cancelled bout between Namajunas and Barber is essential to identify the deserving challenger for the eventual winner of Grasso vs. Shevchenko 3. The initial plan was to see these two fighters face off, so it seems logical for the UFC to consider putting them back in the octagon once more.

Barber holds the fourth position in the rankings and has victoriously continued her streak with six consecutive wins following her defeat by the present champion Grasso in 2021. Her latest triumph came against Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299, showcasing her power and ruthlessness throughout the lengthy three-round bout.

The young barber, aged 26, has recently made great progress in competition. Facing Namajunas would bring one of the most notable challenges of her career so far. If she emerges victorious, she could earn a shot at the title.

Unfortunately, Barber had to be withdrawn from the UFC Denver fight due to illness. However, this matchup is worth rescheduling as its outcome could provide valuable insights into the future of the women’s flyweight division.

At the post-fight news conference, Namajunas expressed the possibility of rearranging a fight against Barber by saying, “If she recovers soon, we might consider it. For now, I’m focusing on moving forward.” A victory over Barber could improve Namajunas’ position in the flyweight rankings and boost her chances of claiming the title.

2. Manon Fiorot

Fiorot is known for her intimidating presence and exceptional striking skills at the women’s flyweight category. Standing tall at 5 feet 7 inches, she is an imposing figure in this division. Currently ranked No. 2, Fiorot boasts a remarkable win streak of seven consecutive UFC fights, which includes a victory against Namajunas. In her latest bout, held as the main event at UFC Atlantic City, she triumphantly defeated Erin Blanchfield with a commendable record of 12-2.

As a devoted fan, I ponder over Fiorot’s remarkable feats and indefatigable spirit. However, her progress towards the flyweight title remains stalled due to the unresolved business between Grasso and Shevchenko. It could be worth considering a rematch with Namajunas – their intense battle at UFC Paris in 2023 was a testament to their skills and determination.

If Fiorot is more reluctant than Namajunas to accept the idea of being the next title contender, a clear-cut victory over the previous champion would strongly establish Fiorot’s claim. Considering her last fight against Blanchfield didn’t leave a great impression, defeating Namajunas once more could help erase that memory and boost her chances.

To be recognized as a legitimate title contender in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division, Namajunas probably needs to defeat Fiorot in a matchup at some point. While her popularity might allow her to bypass some opponents and secure an immediate title shot, Fiorot is expected to present a significant challenge eventually. It would be wise to schedule this fight sooner rather than later.

3. Erin Blanchfield

Blanchfield showcases great promise as a formidable force in the flyweight category for an extended period. Despite suffering a disappointing decision loss against Fiorot in her last bout, Blanchfield holds the third spot in the rankings. Her impressive Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills pose a challenging riddle for opponents to solve. At just 25 years old, she possesses immense potential to further enhance her abilities.

Blanchfield had an impressive winning streak in the UFC, with six consecutive victories. During this time, she defeated notable opponents such as former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade (26-12), among others. However, her winning streak was broken by Fiorot. Following her loss, Blanchfield will need to secure a few more strong wins to regain her position as a serious title contender.

If Blanchfield loses her next match and ranks below Namajunas as a result, there’s an increased likelihood that they’ll face each other in the Octagon again.

After her impressive performances, Namajunas should face a top-tier rival next. Blanchfield, ranked third and recovering from a defeat, poses a significant threat. A victory for Namajunas maintains her relevance in title contention discussions.

To keep her place among the elite fighters, Blanchfield must win against a formidable competitor. Since she’s unlikely to face someone ranked above her, battling another ex-champion would be an excellent alternative following a challenging defeat.

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2024-07-15 04:13

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