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Rose Namajunas is gearing up for a crucial bout against Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton on Saturday, a fight she hopes will propel her into title contention. Originally, Namajunas was set to face Maycee Barber in July, a match expected to determine the next No. 1 contender. However, Barber fell ill just days before the event and hasn’t yet returned, as she continues seeking medical solutions for her ongoing health issues.
Though disappointed by the setback, Namajunas quickly shifted focus, decisively defeating Tracy Cortez and booking her fight against Blanchfield, currently ranked No. 3 at flyweight. She is looking forward to this matchup, admitting that Blanchfield has been on her radar since gaining momentum in the UFC.
“I always had my eye on Erin whenever she started her momentum and stuff in the UFC,” Namajunas shared during UFC Edmonton media day.
Her interest in this bout goes back to her time competing at strawweight, where she admired Blanchfield’s skill and competitive spirit. Regarding Barber, Namajunas explained her hesitation about rescheduling their fight anytime soon, citing uncertainty around Barber's health.
“It’s unfortunate with Maycee,” Namajunas said, acknowledging the challenges of training for a fight that ultimately fell through.
She voiced hope for Barber's return but expressed her reservations about booking a rematch right away, given the ambiguity surrounding Barber’s condition.
As Blanchfield looks to bounce back after her recent loss to Manon Fiorot, this matchup provides Namajunas an opportunity to edge closer to a title shot. If Fiorot wins the flyweight belt in 2025, Namajunas would welcome a chance for a rematch, but she’s equally thrilled by the possibility of facing current champion Valentina Shevchenko.
“If [Manon Fiorot] wins the belt, that would be great to fight her again or even have that dream matchup with Valentina one day,” Namajunas shared.
With her admiration for Shevchenko, Namajunas would consider it the ultimate test of her skills, even if it’s a “bittersweet” scenario. Namajunas reflected on her admiration for Shevchenko, with whom she has previously trained, saying,
“She’s definitely always been my favorite female fighter.” Acknowledging Shevchenko as a “true martial artist,”.
Namajunas views a potential fight with the champion as the ultimate way to measure her own growth as a martial artist, even if it means battling someone she deeply respects.
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