Namajunas In Pivotal Moment Against Fan-Favorite Ribas at UFC Vegas 89

By
Gabriel Gonzalez
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Amanda Ribas and Rose Namajunas, UFC Vegas 89
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 22: (L-R) Opponents Amanda Ribas of Brazil and Rose Namajunas face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on March 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Rose Namajunas looks to keep title hopes high as she takes on fan-favorite Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 89.

Going into her first UFC main event, one could argue that the moment couldn’t be better for Brazilian judoka Amanda Ribas.  A part of the UFC since 2019, Ribas landed squarely in the consciousness of the casual fan when she defeated Mackenzie Dern and followed it up with a victory over Paige VanZant on the much anticipated “Fight Island” pay-per-view.  In the span of eight months, Ribas went from potential prospect to bonafide contender whom fans immediately gravitated towards.

In the years that have followed, Ribas has competed at both flyweight and strawweight and alternated wins and losses as she’s been booked against elite competition in both categories.  Her resume lists some of the best talent of the early 2020’s with Marina Rodriguez, Katlyn Cerminara (née Chookagian), and Maycee Barber to name a few.  Going into a fight with easily her most decorated opponent this Saturday, Ribas enters riding arguably her best career victory as she stopped Luana Pinheiro by TKO after landing a spinning wheel kick.

Rose Namajunas’ resume at strawweight has likely secured a spot in the Hall of Fame one day.  “Thug Rose” at different points in her career was seen as arguably the most complete and dynamic fighter in the women’s weight classes behind a sharp striking game and fearless grappling attack honed behind years of work with the likes of Trevor Wittman.  The result is the distinction of being a four time champion and the only woman to hold two victories over the celebrated Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Zhang Weili.

Following the still perplexing loss to Carla Esparza and subsequent layoff, Namajunas moved up to flyweight last year where she lost to Manon Fiorot in a bout that also sustain injuries to her hand in the bout.  It put the former champion in an odd position.  She holds two victories over the current champion in her previous weight class, and yet she was also shut out of the title picture (at least for the moment) in her current one.  If she is discouraged, however, she hasn’t shown it as she said that a shot at getting flyweight gold this year is still possible.

The winner of this bout would be in an interesting position.  A victory for Ribas would likely see her paired with either up-and-comer Natalia Silva or the winner of the upcoming fight between Jessica Andrade and Marina Rodriguez.  For Namajunas, her star power and the schedule at flyweight could potentially set up a fight with surging contender Maycee Barber as they wait for a title shot and for the winner of the upcoming fight between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot to have their turn.

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