Rose Namjunas came out on top in her first defense of the UFC’s 115lb title, capturing a decision over ex-champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk
UFC 223’s co-main event boasted a women’s strawweight title fight rematch. ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas (Thug Rose! Thug Rose!) took on the woman she beat for the title just months ago, Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Joanna Ex-Champion was looking to become Joanna Champion once more, and wipe away the memory of an early knockout defeat.
The incredible nature of Namajunas’ big win back at UFC 217, where she essentially slayed the boogeyman, helped hype this immediate rematch. With neither fighter having entered the cage since that night, the question was, who had improved most in the gym, and whose mind was in the right place come fight night?
Forget niceties, forget “may the best woman win,” forget all the distractions outside the cage. Namajunas vs. Jedrzejczyk had the feeling of a war of attrition heading into it at UFC 223 on Saturday. Both women were light on their feet and extremely mobile early, with neither wanting to commit the first error. The pair exchanged strikes, but through the first two minutes, very little had landed. Rose fired off a 1-2 combo; Joanna fired back showing very fast hands. Rose flashed some front kicks, then connected with a pair of right hands off a stance switch. Jedrzejczyk landed a heay left toward’s the end of the round, but Rose answered right back.
Namajunas opened round two connecting with a combo; Joanna answered with a jab and a leg kick. Champ Rose continued to have the edge in the exchanges in round two, though both fighters were showing some damage. The head movement and ability to stick and move by Rose was a huge factor in the second; her volume was significantly higher than Jedrzejczyk’s as well. Joanna suffered an eye poke as the round progressed, but the ref did not see it. Towards the end of the round, they clinched, with Joanna landing several knees.
A glove touch started round three, but Rose had soon caught her opponent. Joanna shook it off, and flashed a high kick. The challenger continued to work on the lead leg of Rose Namajunas in round three; that leg was soon showing considerable damage. Joanna then fired a head kick; Rose partially blocked it. Jedrzejczyk then attacked each leg in turn, and Rose seemed to have slowed a step. Rose initiated a clinch, but was fought off.
Starting the championship rounds, the momentum may have shifted. Joanna continued to work Rose’s legs. Namajunas had clearly lost a step, be it from fatigue or the constant assault on her legs. Rose was able to land a right, followed by a left, but she was on her heels much of the round. A leg kick later in round four nearly tripped Rose up, and Joanna landed a good left towards the final minute of round four which Rose answered.
Joanna appeared to signal for a hug to start round five, but settled for a glove touch. Rose Namajunas seemed to have her spark back in the fifth, landing a heavy left that Joanna ate. More blows followed, and Joanna’s nose was bloodied. Namajunas had lost her mobility, but found her power. The crowd was roaring at the ninety second mark, as both women continued to trade. Then, with seconds to go, Rose Namajunas scored a late takedown! Joanna would land some short punches after scooting back to the fence, before the bell sounded. It was going to be close! Or maybe not, as all three judges awarded Rose Namajunas four of five rounds.
Rose Namajunas def. Joanna Jedrzejczyk by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
