Carla Esparza and Rose Namajunas
A strawweight title clash rematch between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparaza is reportedly set for UFC 274
UFC 274 is turning out to be one of the most stacked card of the year, and it just got more amusing and exciting. The card set to be headlined by UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliviera and former interim champion Justin Gaethje, finally has a co-main event.
A strawweight clash between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparaza has been added to the UFC 274 card, first confirmed by Marc Raimondi. This will mark their second outing inside the octagon. The pair first clashed during the Ultimate Fighter Season 20 finale.
Since that fight, Namajunas has turned into a household name, with hip-hop superstars like Lil Wayne expressing her appreciation for her. She has won the strawweight title twice, and defended it last against China’s Zhang Weili.
As for Esparaza, she has racked up 5 straight wins en route her rematch against the strawweight champion. She most recently defeated Yan Xiaonan in a dominant performance, finishing the fight in the second round via ground and pound at UFC Fight Night 188. The idea of the rematch was first floated by UFC president Dana White, who confirmed it will be Esparaza who gets the next shot.
UFC 274 will be co-headlined by strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, and former tough finalist contender, Carla Esparaza.
Namajunas went into the fight as a heavy favorite, and had some initial success with her flurry of high kicks and creative striking. Esparaza stayed patient and shot for a takedown everytime Rose attempted a kick from her lead leg. Although Esparaza scored some takedowns and timed it beautifully, Rose was quick to spring back on her feet.
Second round changed the course of the fight, as Esparaza took Rose down and managed to land some mangling ground and pound,. Carrying the momentum into the third round, Esparaza took her opponent down inside 10 seconds, passed her guard beautifully and sunk in a tight rear naked choke.
A win against Rose will probably give her an upper hand riding into UFC 274.
More MMA news
Follow our dedicated MMA page for instant MMA news and updates