May 11, 2019; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rose Namajunas (red gloves) reacts to fight against Jessica Andrade (blue gloves) during UFC 237 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports
Rose Namajunas’ manager says former champion was ‘definitely’ interested in Jessica Andrade rematch
Jessica Andrade has her first title defense set, and it won’t be a rematch against Rose Namajunas as many thought. Instead, the former champion will head to China to take on China’s own Weili Zhang on a UFC Fight Night card. There, just like Namajunas did, Andrade will go into enemy territory.
Although the UFC passed over Tatiana Suarez and Michelle Waterson, many thought Namajunas didn’t want the rematch. However, that was not the case, as the former champion was very interested in rematching Andrade.
“Rose is definitely interested in a rematch [against Jessica Andrade],” Brian Butler, Namajunas’ manager said to MMAFighting. “Her tentative plan is to fight by the end of the year. The UFC was interested in the rematch but she’s not on a timetable where she needs to discuss a date.
“She had an ongoing neck injury prior to the fight and she wants to get herself back to 100-percent and when she steps back in it will be her choice.
Ultimately, there are still viable options for Namajunas next fight. She could fight the likes of Waterson or possible Nina Ansaroff to look to get back into the win column to regain her standing as the top contender. No matter what, it appears she is ready to fight after her press-conference at 237.
“I just want to do something else with my life right now,” Namajunas said following UFC 237. “I don’t know. We’ll see. I’m not going to make any decisions right now. I don’t know. It’s just hard to keep having fun with this.”
The good news for “Thug Rose’ fans is the fact that she does appear wanting to fight again and her career will continue. The Colorado native is one of the best female fighters alive and there is a good chance she will fight for the title again sometime soon.
