Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rose Namajunas

Discover the career path of Rose Namajunas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Rose Namajunas is a prominent American mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's women's Flyweight division. A former two-time UFC Women's Strawweight Champion, she is recognized for her accomplishments in the sport. As of May 2025, she holds a top 10 rank in the women's flyweight division and is ranked among the top 15 pound-for-pound female fighters in the UFC.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: Began MMA Career

In 2010, Rose Namajunas began competing in MMA as an amateur and trained at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.

January 5, 2013: Professional Debut at Invicta FC 4

On January 5, 2013, Rose Namajunas made her professional debut against Emily Kagan at Invicta FC 4, winning by submission via rear-naked choke in round three and earning the Submission of the Night bonus.

April 5, 2013: Fight at Invicta FC 5

On April 5, 2013, Rose Namajunas fought Kathina Catron at Invicta FC 5, winning by submission due to a flying armbar just 12 seconds into the first round and earning her second Invicta Submission of the Night award.

July 13, 2013: Fight at Invicta FC 6

On July 13, 2013, Rose Namajunas fought Tecia Torres at Invicta FC 6, losing by unanimous decision.

December 11, 2013: Signed by UFC

On December 11, 2013, it was announced that Rose Namajunas was signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) along with 10 other strawweight fighters to compete on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter.

December 12, 2014: The Ultimate Fighter Finale

On December 12, 2014, Rose Namajunas fought Carla Esparza at The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale for the inaugural UFC Women's Strawweight Championship, losing via rear-naked choke in the third round.

May 23, 2015: UFC 187 Bout Scrapped

On May 23, 2015, Rose Namajunas was scheduled to face Nina Ansaroff at UFC 187; however, the bout was scrapped entirely due to Ansaroff being medically unfit to compete. Namajunas was paid her full fight purse.

October 3, 2015: Fight at UFC 192

On October 3, 2015, Rose Namajunas fought Angela Hill at UFC 192, winning by submission via rear-naked choke in the first round.

December 10, 2015: Main Event at UFC Fight Night 80

On December 10, 2015, Rose Namajunas fought Paige VanZant in the main event of UFC Fight Night 80, winning by submission via rear-naked choke in the fifth round and earning her first Performance of the Night bonus award.

April 16, 2016: Fight at UFC on Fox 19

On April 16, 2016, Rose Namajunas faced Tecia Torres at UFC on Fox 19 in a rematch of their 2013 fight, winning by unanimous decision.

July 30, 2016: Fight at UFC 201

On July 30, 2016, Rose Namajunas fought Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 201, losing via split decision, though both participants were awarded Fight of the Night for their performance.

April 15, 2017: Fight at UFC on Fox 24

On April 15, 2017, Rose Namajunas fought Michelle Waterson at UFC on Fox 24, winning by submission due to a rear-naked choke in round 2.

November 4, 2017: UFC Women's Strawweight Champion

On November 4, 2017, Rose Namajunas faced Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 217 and won by KO in the first round, becoming the new UFC Women's Strawweight Champion and earning her second Performance of the Night bonus award. She also stated her intent to spread awareness of mental illness.

April 7, 2018: Title Defense at UFC 223

On April 7, 2018, Rose Namajunas defended her title against Joanna Jędrzejczyk in a rematch at UFC 223, winning by unanimous decision.

May 11, 2019: UFC 237 Main Event

On May 11, 2019, Rose Namajunas faced Jéssica Andrade at UFC 237 in Brazil, losing by knockout via a slam in the second round, though the fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.

April 8, 2020: Withdrawal from UFC 249

On April 8, 2020, Rose Namajunas withdrew from her scheduled fight against Jéssica Andrade at UFC 249, citing deaths in the family related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 12, 2020: Fight at UFC 251

On July 12, 2020, Rose Namajunas fought Jéssica Andrade at UFC 251, winning the fight via split decision, and earning the Fight of the Night award.

April 24, 2021: Second UFC Strawweight Championship

On April 24, 2021, Rose Namajunas faced Zhang Weili at UFC 261, winning by knockout early in the first round and claiming the UFC Women's Strawweight World Championship for the second time, becoming the first female fighter to regain a UFC Championship belt. She also earned a Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 6, 2021: Title Defense at UFC 268

On November 6, 2021, Rose Namajunas defended her UFC Women's Strawweight Championship against Zhang Weili at UFC 268, winning the bout via split decision.

December 30, 2021: Withdrawal from Fury Pro Grappling 3

On December 30, 2021, Rose Namajunas was scheduled to compete in a grappling match against Danielle Kelly at Fury Pro Grappling 3 but withdrew due to a positive COVID-19 test, and was replaced by Carla Esparza.

May 7, 2022: Loss at UFC 274

On May 7, 2022, Rose Namajunas faced Carla Esparza at UFC 274, losing the fight and title via split decision. She was given the Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award.

December 30, 2022: Fury Pro Grappling 6 Appearance

On December 30, 2022, Rose Namajunas returned to Fury Pro Grappling for Fury Pro Grappling 6, where she faced Gillian Robertson and lost by rear-naked choke in 65 seconds.

May 13, 2023: ADCC Denver Open

On May 13, 2023, Rose Namajunas competed in the women's under 60 kg (130 lb) and absolute division at the ADCC Denver Open, winning a bronze medal in the absolute division.

September 2, 2023: UFC Fight Night 226

On September 2, 2023, Rose Namajunas faced Manon Fiorot at UFC Fight Night 226 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

March 23, 2024: UFC on ESPN 53

On March 23, 2024, Rose Namajunas faced Amanda Ribas at UFC on ESPN 53, winning the bout by unanimous decision.

July 13, 2024: UFC on ESPN 59

On July 13, 2024, Rose Namajunas was scheduled to face Maycee Barber at UFC on ESPN 59. However, Barber withdrew from the bout, and was replaced by Tracy Cortez. Namajunas defeated Cortez by unanimous decision.