Rose Namajunas is one of the most accomplished women’s MMA fighters from the post-Ronda Rousey era who is still going strong. In fact, some might argue that she’s only just truly tapping into her prime potential as a fighter with championship mettle. In fact, she’s preparing for yet another UFC title opportunity as she takes on Zhang Weili at UFC 261. However, Namajunas’ success didn’t come from out of left field as she began her championship journey like many others. ‘Thug’ Rose competed on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 20 to eventually determine the first-ever UFC women’s strawweight champion. As she gears up for yet another chapter in her pro career, let’s take a look back at her TUF 20 stint. Also Read: ‘I’ve Offered Him a Title Fight’- Kamaru Usman Opens up on Conor McGregor’s Comments [https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-261-mma-news-ive-offered-him-a-title-fight-kamaru-usman-opens-up-on-conor-mcgregors-comments/] ROSE NAMAJUNAS: POISED FOR GREATNESS ‘Thug [https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rose-Namajunas-69083]’ Rose was picked fourth by coach Gilbert Melendez and took on Alex Chambers on July 28, 2014, in the opening round. Namajunas defeated Chambers via first-round RNC submission and truly announced her presence on the show. From early on into her run, it was clear that her gamesmanship on the mat was second to none. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/cal-1.jpg] Furthermore, she continued her submission streak as she tapped out Joanne Calderwood via Kimura in the Quarterfinal. Chiefly, this win has aged particularly well given the trajectory Calderwood has gone on. Namajunas doubled down on her victory over ‘JoJo’ with yet another Kimura submission win over Randa Markos in the semi-final. Given the way she had dismantled her opponents, fans favored Rose Namajunas to win it all in the finals against Carla Esparza, who had racked up wins over impressive fighters in her own right. However, ‘The Cookie Monster’ proved to be too much for Namajunas as the bright lights turned down on the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/carla-3.jpg] Carla Esparza won the contest via third-round RNC submission to become the inaugural women’s strawweight champion. Rose Namajunas would take away several lessons from her loss to Esparza that ultimately led to a title fight win. Namajunas [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/rose-namajunas/] has yet to avenge her loss to Esparza and will look to do so at some point down the road. 

Rose Namajunas is now a staple of the title landscape at 115-pounds however she
got her start like many other on 'The Ultimate Fighter'.

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently
pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism)
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A Look Into ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Run of Former UFC Strawweight Champion Rose
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A Look Into 'The Ultimate Fighter' Run of Former UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas

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Rose Namajunas is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. She was born on June 29, 1992. Namajunas started her MMA career in the Invicta Fighting Championships and won her first two fights by submissions. As of 2023, she sits at #8 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings and is a former UFC women's strawweight champion.
<h2>Rose Namajunas: UFC Career</h2>
Rose made her UFC debut against Carla Esparza and lost the bout (the fight for the inaugural UFC strawweight title) and championship belt via submission. However, she immediately bounced back and claimed three consecutive victories against Angela Hill, Paige VanZant, and Tecia Torres.

After defeating Michelle Waterson, Namajunas earned a title shot against then-champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Back then, Joanna was undefeated and, as expected, Rose was the underdog in the fight.

Rose shocked the world when she stopped Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the first round at UFC 217 and was crowned as the UFC's third strawweight champion. Although Namajunas was considered better on the ground, she defeated Jedrzejczyk by outclassing her on the feet. And to prove that it wasn't a fluke, Namajunas beat Jedrzejczyk once again in a rematch.

With only one title defense, 'Thug' lost her title to Jessica Andrade via a brutal body slam KO in the second round at UFC 237. However, she bounced back and won the rematch against Andrade at UFC 251.

Namajunas' win against Andrade earned her another title shot. She clashed against then-champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261. Rose became a two-time UFC women's strawweight champion by claiming a highlight-reel head kick KO in the first round.

She ramped up another title defense in a rematch against Zhang Weili on November 06, 2021, at UFC 268. But 'Thug's' last UFC bout ended in another defeat against her noted former rival Carla Esparza. 'Cookie Monster' earned a unanimous decision at UFC 274 to hand Namajunas the fourth loss of her UFC career. She holds a record of 9-4 in the UFC.

She went to the flyweight division for a battle with Manon Fiorot and ended up on the losing side of the bout at UFC on ESPN+ 84. Now, she has just secured her first victory at flyweight against Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 89 via a unanimous decision.
<h2>Rose Namajunas: Fighting Style</h2>
Rose is a striker and her footwork is one of the best in the UFC. Besides that, she has perfected her jab. She is also a black belt in Taekwondo and Karate and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Thus, she is also an elite grappler.
<h2>Rose Namajunas: Achievements</h2>
Namajunas holds a stellar record of 13-6-0 in her MMA career. 'Thug Rose' has earned three 'Fight of the Night' and three 'Performance of the Night' bonuses. Namajunas also claimed the 2017 Fighter of the Year award. This was the year where she tasted UFC gold as a 25-year-old.

She has also achieved wins over a number of experienced veterans. Namajunas has a black belt in Taekwondo and Karate. Apart from that, she is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
<h2>Rose Namajunas: Net Worth and Salary 2023</h2>
As of 2023, Namajunas has an estimated UFC career earnings of $1.78M, according to The Sports Daily. Her biggest paycheck ($572,000) came from her sophomore bout against Carla 'Cookie Monster' Esparza in 2022. Reports say that it also included the highest salary of her UFC career, which stands at $500,000.

The former UFC fighter turned kickboxer, Pat Barry, mentioned her first meeting with Namajunas as a fight. But it was 'Thug's' fearless attitude of punching him in the face that got him attracted to her. After Barry transitioned to Glory kickboxing in 2013 the two got engaged in the year 2014.

But the couple soon got into trouble with Barry's substance abuse which also took a toll on Namajunas' performance. But he has come clean currently, and as per Namajunas, has become a lot more supportive than he used to be.
<h2>Rose Namajunas: Endorsements 2023</h2>
The former UFC champ inked an agreement with Reebok in 2019. Reports also suggest that she has endorsement deals with major brands like Puma and Adidas. As per 'The Sportslite', Rose Namajunas' total earnings from these sponsorships are reported to be around $500,000.

How to Contact Rose Namajunas?

<a href="https://twitter.com/rosenamajunas">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosenamajunas/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThugRose">Facebook</a>

&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nickname</td>
<td>Thug</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BornÂ </td>
<td>June 29, 1992</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Country</td>
<td>USA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gym</td>
<td>Roufusport</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>5ft 5 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight/Division</td>
<td>125 lbs/ Strawweight</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reach</td>
<td>65 inches</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leg Reach</td>
<td>39.50 inches</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td>12-5-0, 0 NcC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 3 Fights</td>
<td>L-W-W</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins by Stoppage (Submissions &amp; KO/TKO)</td>
<td>7(2 KO/TKOs &amp; 5 Submissions)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Estimated Net WorthÂ </td>
<td>$1.78M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Endorsements</td>
<td>Reebok, Puma, Adidas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marital Status</td>
<td>Engaged</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Partner</td>
<td>Pat Barry</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Rose Namajunas is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. She was born on June 29, 1992. Namajunas started her MMA career in the Invicta Fighting Championships and won her first two fights by submissions. As of 2023, she sits at #8 in the UFC women&#8217;s pound-for-pound rankings and is a former UFC women&#8217;s strawweight champion. Rose Namajunas: UFC Career Rose made her UFC debut against Carla Esparza and lost the bout (the fight for the inaugural UFC strawweight title) and championship belt via submission. However, she immediately bounced back and claimed three consecutive victories against Angela Hill, Paige VanZant, and Tecia Torres. After defeating Michelle Waterson, Namajunas earned a title shot against then-champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Back then, Joanna was undefeated and, as expected, Rose was the underdog in the fight. Rose shocked the world when she stopped Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the first round at UFC 217 and was crowned as the UFC&#8217;s third strawweight champion. Although Namajunas was considered better on the ground, she defeated Jedrzejczyk by outclassing her on the feet. And to prove that it wasn&#8217;t a fluke, Namajunas beat Jedrzejczyk once again in a rematch. With only one title defense, &#8216;Thug&#8217; lost her title to Jessica Andrade via a brutal body slam KO in the second round at UFC 237. However, she bounced back and won the rematch against Andrade at UFC 251. Namajunas&#8217; win against Andrade earned her another title shot. She clashed against then-champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261. Rose became a two-time UFC women&#8217;s strawweight champion by claiming a highlight-reel head kick KO in the first round. She ramped up another title defense in a rematch against Zhang Weili on November 06, 2021, at UFC 268. But &#8216;Thug&#8217;s&#8217; last UFC bout ended in another defeat against her noted former rival Carla Esparza. &#8216;Cookie Monster&#8217; earned a unanimous decision at UFC 274 to hand Namajunas the fourth loss of her UFC career. She holds a record of 9-4 in the UFC. She went to the flyweight division for a battle with Manon Fiorot and ended up on the losing side of the bout at UFC on ESPN+ 84. Now, she has just secured her first victory at flyweight against Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 89 via a unanimous decision. Rose Namajunas: Fighting Style Rose is a striker and her footwork is one of the best in the UFC. Besides that, she has perfected her jab. She is also a black belt in Taekwondo and Karate and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Thus, she is also an elite grappler. Rose Namajunas: Achievements Namajunas holds a stellar record of 13-6-0 in her MMA career. &#8216;Thug Rose&#8217; has earned three &#8216;Fight of the Night&#8217; and three &#8216;Performance of the Night&#8217; bonuses. Namajunas also claimed the 2017 Fighter of the Year award. This was the year where she tasted UFC gold as a 25-year-old. She has also achieved wins over a number of experienced veterans. Namajunas has a black belt in Taekwondo and Karate. Apart from that, she is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rose Namajunas: Net Worth and Salary 2023 As of 2023, Namajunas has an estimated UFC career earnings of $1.78M, according to The Sports Daily. Her biggest paycheck ($572,000) came from her sophomore bout against Carla &#8216;Cookie Monster&#8217; Esparza in 2022. Reports say that it also included the highest salary of her UFC career, which stands at $500,000. The former UFC fighter turned kickboxer, Pat Barry, mentioned her first meeting with Namajunas as a fight. But it was &#8216;Thug&#8217;s&#8217; fearless attitude of punching him in the face that got him attracted to her. After Barry transitioned to Glory kickboxing in 2013 the two got engaged in the year 2014. But the couple soon got into trouble with Barry&#8217;s substance abuse which also took a toll on Namajunas&#8217; performance. But he has come clean currently, and as per Namajunas, has become a lot more supportive than he used to be. Rose Namajunas: Endorsements 2023 The former UFC champ inked an agreement with Reebok in 2019. Reports also suggest that she has endorsement deals with major brands like Puma and Adidas. As per &#8216;The Sportslite&#8217;, Rose Namajunas&#8217; total earnings from these sponsorships are reported to be around $500,000. How to Contact Rose Namajunas? Twitter, Instagram, Facebook &nbsp;  Nickname Thug  Age 31  BornÂ  June 29, 1992  Country USA  Gym Roufusport  Height 5ft 5 in  Weight/Division 125 lbs/ Strawweight  Reach 65 inches  Leg Reach 39.50 inches  Record 12-5-0, 0 NcC  Last 3 Fights L-W-W  Wins by Stoppage (Submissions &amp; KO/TKO) 7(2 KO/TKOs &amp; 5 Submissions)  Estimated Net WorthÂ  $1.78M  Endorsements Reebok, Puma, Adidas  Marital Status Engaged  Partner Pat Barry

A Look Into ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Run of Former UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas: Poised for greatness