Rose Namajunas (Left) Lands Head Kick on Zhang Weili (Right) To Regain Title at UFC 261
The Queen’s Crown: Rose Namajunas Looking for Clean Sweep Against Zhang Weili
One of the biggest strawweight championship rematches is on the horizon
Magic in MSG – Rose Namajunas vs. Zhang Weili 2
A left head kick heard ‘round the world was the talk of UFC 261. A “flawless victory” so to speak, shocked the world as number one contender “Thug” Rose Namajunas (11 wins – 4 losses) stopped UFC strawweight champion Zhang “Magnum” Weili (21 wins – 2 losses) in the first round of their title bout at UFC 261. This left the crowd in shock, as Namajunas recaptured the title to become a 2-time champion at 115lbs.
Weili was in disbelief over the result. However, as she stumbled around the cage trying to protest the stoppage, it was already too late. Shades of Namajunas’ first title win at UFC 217, she once again made quick work of a champion thought to reign a top the division for the foreseeable future. Now, “Thug Rose” has the chance to get back-to-back wins over a foe who was on a 21-fight win streak prior to her first-round knockout defeat back in July.
Foundation For Success:
Namajunas trains under the guidance of longtime coach and owner of ONYX fitness equipment, Trevor Wittman. Alongside Wittman, is former mixed martial artist, kickboxer and husband of Namajunas, Pat “HD” Barry (8 wins – 7 losses in MMA). After her first-round win at UFC 261, Barry looked at Namajunas and exclaimed “You the best ever”. Wittman looked on with a slight smirk, as if he knew what was to come before the sequence unfolded. The wizard in Wittman, saw another speck of magic unfold at the hands of his long-time student.
Wittman and Barry are to be credited for the vast improvements in Namajunas’ stand-up game. Originally a grappler at heart, Rose is quickly becoming one of the best strikers in, not only the UFC’s strawweight division, but the entire organization. Mesmerizing footwork, perfect technique, and impeccable timing showcase just how much Rose has grown as a martial artist. This all occurred under the guidance of the tightly knit team out of Colorado.
Final Thoughts on Rose Namajunas vs Zhang Weili 2:
The rematch between champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas and former champion Zhang “Magnum” Weili is set to take place at UFC 268. Wittman has 2 more fighters competing on the card as well. Those competitors include the #2 ranked Lightweight Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (22 wins – 3 losses) and reigning welterweight champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (19 wins – 1 loss).
The event culminates out of the critically acclaimed Madison Square Garden in New York on November 6th.
Will the former champion claim gold once again? Or will “Thug” Rose prove she’s the “best ever” and maintain her hold on the gold? All these questions and more will be answered once the cage door closes, and the rematch is upon us.
