UFC 274: Rose Namajunas Finally Gets Her Shot At Redemption

Rose Namajunas gets her shot at revenge this coming weekend at UFC 274. 

Namajunas, the reigning strawweight champion, takes on Carla Esparza in the co-main event. 

Back in 2014, Namajunas lost to Esparza in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter for the inaugural title. Since that time, she has climbed to the top of the division twice, including her recent reign highlighted by wins over Zhang Weili. 

For Namajunas, this will be an incredible challenge. But she has proven that she is ready for it. 

Namajunas was doubted heading into her first fight with Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and again in the rematch. Both times, she came out on top.

Again, after losing to Jessica Andrade in 2019, many questioned if she could return. Namajunas did, earning a split decision over Andrade. 

Twice in 2021, Namajunas battled Weili, taking both fights. 

Rematches have become her norm. 

Esparza, meanwhile, has won five in a row including a finish of Yan Xiaonan last May. She has also bested Marina Rodriguez, Michelle Waterson, Alexa Grasso and Virna Jandiroba. 

These are two of the best fighters in the strawweight division. We should be in for quite the battle this weekend.