Rose Namajunas’ return to the top of the UFC’s strawweight division was one of the feel-good moments of the early part of 2021.
After working through some personal doubts that plagued her during her first time as the UFC’s 115-pound champion, Namajunas returned to the championship stage at UFC 261 in April as the betting underdog against the powerful strawweight champion Zhang Weili, who was making her first defense of the title.
But, rather than a widely expected win for Zhang, “Thug Rose” delivered a stunning performance as she lit up, then knocked out, “Magnum” with a brilliant head-kick KO to become a two-time strawweight champion.
Now the pair are all set to run it back at the Mecca of combat sports, Madison Square Garden in New York City, and both women are looking to show how much they have evolved and improved since their first meeting.
For Zhang, it’s a chance to write the wrongs of the first fight and reclaim her spot at the top of the division. But Namajunas, who was powered by a positive mindset during her April victory, will be focused and sharp, under the watchful eye of coach Trevor Wittman.
It’s a clash that could deliver another thrilling encounter, and ahead of the bout the UFC has put together an in-depth preview film to whet the appetite for their epic title tussle.
Check out the Namajunas vs. Zhang 2 segment of “UFC 268 Countdown” right here…
