Rose Namajunas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rose Namajunas |
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Namajunas in 2012
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| Born | Rose Gertrude Namajunas June 29, 1992 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Other names | Thug |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg) |
| Division | Strawweight (2013–2022) Flyweight (2023–present) |
| Reach | 65 in (165 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Team | 303 Training Center (2016–2020) Grudge Training Center (2012–2016) Minnesota Martial Arts Academy (2011–2012) Roufusport |
| Trainer | Trevor Wittman Pat Barry Greg Nelson |
| Rank | Black belt in Taekwondo Black belt in KarateBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Tony Basile |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 20 |
| Wins | 13 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 5 |
| By decision | 6 |
| Losses | 7 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 5 |
Rose Gertrude Namajunas (born June 29, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist. She is known for her amazing skills in the fighting world. Rose competes in the women's Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She has been a UFC Women's Strawweight Champion two times. As of November 2024, she is ranked #6 in the UFC women's flyweight division. She is also #8 in the overall UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.
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Early Life and Training
Rose Namajunas was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 29, 1992. Her parents were from Lithuania and moved to the United States in 1991. Rose was named after her great-grandmother. Her great-grandfather was a military officer in Lithuania. He fought against the Soviet occupation of his country. Rose's grandfather was also a successful wrestler in Lithuania. Rose often visits Lithuania and speaks the Lithuanian language with her grandparents.
Rose grew up in a challenging neighborhood in Milwaukee. Her friends gave her the nickname "Thug Rose." This was because she was the smallest girl in their group but acted tougher than anyone. She graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts. There, she was a talented cross-country runner.
Martial Arts Journey
Rose began practicing taekwondo when she was only 5 years old. By age 9, she earned her junior black belt. After that, she also trained in karate and BJJ. In high school, she started learning kickboxing and mixed martial arts. She trained with Duke Roufus at Roufusport. She was also a wrestler during her senior year of high school.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Starting Out in MMA
Rose started her MMA journey as an amateur fighter in 2010. She trained at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. She had a perfect amateur record, winning all four of her fights. Two of these wins were by TKO (technical knockout).
She made her professional debut in 2013 at Invicta FC 4. She won her first pro fight by submission in the third round. This win also earned her a "Submission of the Night" bonus.
In her second professional fight, Rose won by a flying armbar in just 12 seconds! This amazing move earned her another "Submission of the Night" award. However, she lost her third professional fight by decision.
The Ultimate Fighter Competition
In 2013, Rose joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She was one of 11 strawweight fighters chosen for The Ultimate Fighter reality show. This season would crown the very first UFC strawweight champion.
Rose was picked fourth by coach Gilbert Melendez. She won her first fight on the show by submission. She continued to win her quarter-final and semi-final fights, both by a move called a kimura.
In the tournament final, she fought Carla Esparza for the first-ever UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Rose lost this fight by submission in the third round.
UFC Career Highlights
Even though she lost the final, Rose received two special awards from The Ultimate Fighter. She got bonuses for "Performance of the Season" and "Fight of the Season."
Rose continued to fight in the UFC. In October 2015, she faced Angela Hill at UFC 192. Rose won by submission in the first round. Soon after, she fought Paige VanZant in the main event of UFC Fight Night 80. Rose won this fight by submission in the fifth round. This earned her a "Performance of the Night" bonus.
In April 2016, Rose had a rematch against Tecia Torres. Rose won this fight by a unanimous decision. Later that year, she fought Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 201. Rose lost this close fight by a split decision. Both fighters earned "Fight of the Night" for their exciting match. In April 2017, Rose won against Michelle Waterson by submission. This was her fifth submission win.
Becoming Strawweight Champion
Rose faced the undefeated Strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 217 in November 2017. Many people thought Rose would lose. But in a huge surprise, Rose won by knockout in the first round! She became the new UFC Women's Strawweight Champion. This win also earned her another "Performance of the Night" bonus. It was her first knockout win as a professional. After this big win, Rose said she wanted to use her champion status to help people understand mental health better.
In her first title defense, Rose had a rematch with Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 223 in April 2018. Rose won again, this time by unanimous decision.
For her second title defense, Rose fought Jéssica Andrade in Brazil in May 2019. This was Rose's first MMA fight outside the United States. Rose lost the fight by knockout in the second round. This fight was very exciting and earned both fighters the "Fight of the Night" award.
After Losing the Title
Rose was set to fight Jéssica Andrade again in April 2020. However, Rose had to withdraw from the fight due to family reasons. The fight was rescheduled and took place in July 2020 at UFC 251. Rose won this rematch by split decision. This fight also earned her a "Fight of the Night" award.
Becoming Champion Again
Rose fought Zhang Weili for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship in April 2021 at UFC 261. Rose won the fight by knockout early in the first round with a head kick. She became the UFC Women's Strawweight World Champion for the second time! Rose was the first female fighter in UFC history to win back a championship belt after losing it. This win also earned her a "Performance of the Night" bonus.
Rose and Zhang Weili had a rematch for the title in November 2021 at UFC 268. Rose defended her title, winning the fight by split decision after a tough match.
In May 2022, Rose faced Carla Esparza in a rematch for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship at UFC 274. Rose lost the fight and her title by split decision.
Moving to Flyweight
In September 2023, Rose moved to the flyweight division. She faced Manon Fiorot and lost by unanimous decision.
Rose then fought Amanda Ribas in March 2024 at UFC on ESPN 53. She won this fight by unanimous decision. In July 2024, Rose defeated Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision.
Her most recent fight was against Erin Blanchfield in November 2024. Rose lost this fight by unanimous decision.
Fighting Style
Rose Namajunas is known for her excellent striking and quick footwork. She often moves forward, using jabs and high kicks to pressure her opponents. She uses different angles and creative moves. When she gets close, she sometimes tries to grapple and use submission techniques to finish the fight.
Personal Life
Rose Namajunas is a Christian. She has strong beliefs about freedom, which come from her family's history in Lithuania. Her family experienced difficult times under the former Soviet Union. Rose says this history inspires her in fighting.
A documentary about Rose's life, called "Thug Rose: Mixed Martial Artist," was released in 2022.
Family Life
Rose is engaged to Pat Barry, who is also a former UFC fighter. They met at a gym where they both trained. Pat is also Rose's training partner.
Rose has a brother named Nojus, who is also a mixed martial artist. Rose has played the piano since she was five years old.
Championships and Accomplishments
Rose Namajunas has achieved many great things in her career:
- Lithuanian American National Hall of Fame - Class of 2019
- ESPY Award nominee (2018 for Best Fighter and 2021 for Best MMA Fighter)
- Kids' Choice Sports 2018 Award for Biggest Powerhouse (nominee)
- Eighth Annual Real Women Awards - 2017 Woman of the Year
Mixed Martial Arts Awards
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Women's Strawweight Championship (Two times; Former)
- She successfully defended her title two times.
- She has the third most title fight wins in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (4).
- Performance of the Night (Three times)
- Fight of the Night (Three times)
- She has the third most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (6).
- Tied for second most finishes in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (5).
- First woman in UFC history to win back a championship title after losing it.
- Has defeated three former UFC Women's Strawweight Champions.
- Latest finish in a UFC Women's Strawweight division bout (2:25 at Round 5).
- The Ultimate Fighter 20 (Runner-Up)
- TUF 20 Fight of the Season
- TUF 20 Performance of the Season
- UFC Women's Strawweight Championship (Two times; Former)
- Invicta FC
- Submission of the Night (Two times)
- Crypto.com
- Fan Bonus of the Night
- Fighter of the Year
- 2017 MMA Fighter of the Year (from various sports media)
- 2017 UFC Fighter of the Year (from CBS Sports)
- 2017 MMA Female Fighter of the Year (from various sports media)
- 2021 MMA Female Fighter of the Year (from various sports media)
- 2021 Women's MMA MVP (from Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
- Upset of the Year
- 2017 MMA Upset of the Year (from various sports media for her win over Joanna Jędrzejczyk)
- Submission of the Year
- 2013 MMA Submission of the Year (for her flying armbar)
- 2015 Women's MMA Submission of the Year
- 2017 Women's MMA Submission of the Year
- Knockout of the Year
- 2017 Women's MMA Knockout of the Year
- Fight of the Year
- 2013 Women's MMA Fight of the Year
- Fight of the Month
- 2019 May Fight of the Month
- 2020 July Fight of the Month
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 20 matches | 13 wins | 7 losses |
| By knockout | 2 | 1 |
| By submission | 5 | 1 |
| By decision | 6 | 5 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 13–7 | Erin Blanchfield | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi | November 2, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 13–6 | Tracy Cortez | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Namajunas vs. Cortez | July 13, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 12–6 | Amanda Ribas | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Ribas vs. Namajunas | March 23, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 11–6 | Manon Fiorot | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Spivac | September 2, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Paris, France | Flyweight debut. |
| Loss | 11–5 | Carla Esparza | Decision (split) | UFC 274 | May 7, 2022 | 5 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | Lost the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. |
| Win | 11–4 | Zhang Weili | Decision (split) | UFC 268 | November 6, 2021 | 5 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Defended the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. |
| Win | 10–4 | Zhang Weili | KO (head kick) | UFC 261 | April 24, 2021 | 1 | 1:18 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | Won the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 9–4 | Jéssica Andrade | Decision (split) | UFC 251 | July 12, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 8–4 | Jéssica Andrade | KO (slam) | UFC 237 | May 11, 2019 | 2 | 2:58 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Lost the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 8–3 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 223 | April 7, 2018 | 5 | 5:00 | Brooklyn, New York, United States | Defended the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. |
| Win | 7–3 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | TKO (punches) | UFC 217 | November 4, 2017 | 1 | 3:03 | New York City, New York, United States | Won the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 6–3 | Michelle Waterson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis | April 15, 2017 | 2 | 2:47 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
| Loss | 5–3 | Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Decision (split) | UFC 201 | July 30, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 5–2 | Tecia Torres | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans | April 16, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Tampa, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 4–2 | Paige VanZant | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant | December 10, 2015 | 5 | 2:25 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 3–2 | Angela Hill | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 192 | October 3, 2015 | 1 | 2:47 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 2–2 | Carla Esparza | Submission (rear-naked choke) | The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale | December 12, 2014 | 3 | 1:26 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | The Ultimate Fighter 20 Women's Strawweight Tournament final. For the inaugural UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. |
| Loss | 2–1 | Tecia Torres | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 6 | July 13, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Kathina Catron | Submission (flying armbar) | Invicta FC 5 | April 5, 2013 | 1 | 0:12 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | Submission of the Night. |
| Win | 1–0 | Emily Kagan | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Invicta FC 4 | January 5, 2013 | 3 | 3:44 | Kansas City, Kansas, United States | Strawweight debut. Submission of the Night. |
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 3 matches | 3 wins | 0 losses |
| By submission | 3 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 3–0 | Randa Markos | Submission (kimura) | The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned | August 14, 2014 (December 10, 2014 airdate) |
1 | 2:45 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | The Ultimate Fighter 20 Semifinal round. |
| Win | 2–0 | Joanne Calderwood | Submission (kimura) | August 6, 2014 (December 3, 2014 airdate) |
2 | 2:06 | The Ultimate Fighter 20 Quarterfinal round. | ||
| Win | 1–0 | Alex Chambers | Submission (rear-naked choke) | July 28, 2014 (November 5, 2014 airdate) |
1 | 4:38 | The Ultimate Fighter 20 Elimination round. |
| Amateur record breakdown | ||
| 4 matches | 4 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 2 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 4–0 | Jen Aniano | TKO (head kick and punches) | KOTC: Trump Card | 30 June 2012 | 1 | 0:33 | Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin | Strawweight bout. Lake of the Torches Resort Casino |
| Win | 3–0 | Moriel Charneski | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: March Mania | 17 March 2012 | 3 | 3:00 | Walker, Minnesota | 130 lb bout. Northern Lights Casino. |
| Win | 2–0 | Heather Bassett | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Winter Warriors | 10 December 2011 | 3 | 3:00 | Walker, Minnesota | Flyweight bout. Judges scores: 30–28, 30–27, 29–28. Northern Lights Casino. |
| Win | 1–0 | Melissa Pacheco | TKO (punches) | North American Fight Championship: Relentless | 7 August 2010 | 1 | 2:51 | West Allis, Wisconsin | Flyweight bout. Main Stage, 2010 Wisconsin State Fair. |
Submission grappling record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 1 match | 0 wins | 1 loss |
| By submission | 0 | 1 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Division | Type | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 0–1 |  Gillian Robertson |
Submission (rear-naked choke) | Fury Pro Grappling 6 | Superfight | Nogi | December 30, 2022 |  Philadelphia, PA |
Images for kids
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Rose Namajunas in 2012
