Rose Namajunas Eyes Valentina Shevchenko for UFC Flyweight Title Showdown
Rose Namajunas is gearing up for a pivotal fight against Natalia Silva at UFC 324. This event will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and features an interim lightweight title fight as the main event. Namajunas views her upcoming match as a crucial step toward challenging Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC women’s flyweight title.
Namajunas Reflects on Potential Title Shot
If successful against Silva, Namajunas will earn the chance to compete for the title, a significant moment in her career. She expressed that facing Shevchenko would be emotional, given their past training together. Namajunas acknowledges Shevchenko as one of the greatest female fighters, which adds intensity to the potential matchup.
Recent Performances
- Namajunas secured a decision victory over Miranda Maverick at UFC Atlanta in June.
- Shevchenko recently defended her title successfully, defeating Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili.
The significance of fighting Shevchenko does not go unnoticed by Namajunas. She described it as a culmination of her career and a dream fight, influenced by her admiration for the champion’s work ethic and achievements.
Background and Rivalry
Namajunas has a history of rivalries, notably with Joanna Jedrzejczyk, whom she considered a “boogeywoman” in the division. She mentioned that while fighting Jedrzejczyk felt intense, competing against Shevchenko presents a unique challenge due to their friendly relationship.
Preparing for Silva
Silva is on a notable winning streak, having won all seven of her UFC bouts. With a fierce victory over former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso, she has established herself as a contender. Namajunas was originally scheduled to fight Grasso, but the matchup changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Namajunas and Silva’s fight will determine future title shot opportunities.
- Namajunas aims to showcase her skills significantly in this fight.
Namajunas remains focused on her performance and is apprehensive about the assurances from the UFC regarding a title shot. Regardless of the outcome, she aims to deliver an impressive fight while remaining satisfied with her efforts.
