UFC 268: Rose Namajunas Ready For An Improved Zhang Weili

New York, NY – Older, wiser and a two-time UFC strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas arrived in New York for UFC 268 and her co-main event rematch against Zhang Weili at Madison Square Garden.

Namajunas spoke on her relationship with the city at the event’s media day on Wednesday.

“It’s pretty cool to be back here,” Namajunas told the media. “New York has grown on me the more that I get to know it. Amazing city.”

Namajunas is once again part of a rematch as she runs it back with Zhang over six months removed from their first meeting. Such a short time in between fights leaves fans to wonder what could have changed for the rematch.

“I would think that, no matter what actually happened with her, that she has to do something different you know what I mean? You didn’t get the outcome you wanted you kind of got to change it up I guess? I’m just concerned with being the best version of myself so regardless of what she’s doing I don’t got to put any meaning to that. I’ve just got to put meaning to my own life.”

Adjustments are key when it comes to a rematch specially with the kind of changes her opponent has made leading up to this fight.

“Adjustments I guess I’m always adjusting little things but overall I’m just adding more skills to my arsenal and just getting better at the ones that I do better.”

One of the biggest storylines leading up to the rematch include Zhang’s move to Arizona and Fight Ready where she trains under the tutelage of former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion Henry Cejudo and head coach Eric Albarracin. A wrestling-heavy attack is what most expect from Zhang in this bout.

“What to expect is that her wrestling has gotten better. How will that translate in the fight, who knows. I just have to be open for everything. But I’ve improved on my wrestling as well, my grappling, and so I’m ready for all that.”

Namajunas is still focused on herself and her preparation for the rematch.

“I believe you can make a lot of improvements when you are focused on strengthening all of the weaknesses that you have. When you’re just focused on the present moment and realizing what’s at stake. And it’s my happiness, health and safety so I have to put that first. Regardless of what happened in the past I have to always be improving.”

With Rose Namajunas continuing to improve fight after fight, fans are in for a treat on Saturday night.

Watch the full UFC 268 media day appearance from Rose Namajunas above. More coverage of the event can be found below. UFC 268 takes place Saturday November 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.