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The UFC is setting up an exciting matchup between former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and rising contender Miranda Maverick. The official announcement of this fight has generated significant excitement among fans.
The fight is scheduled for June 14 at a UFC Fight Night event expected to take place in Atlanta, with both fighters competing in the flyweight division.
This marks an important opportunity for both women as they look to climb the rankings in this competitive weight class.
Namajunas (13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC), known to fans as “Thug Rose,” returns to the octagon looking to build momentum in the flyweight division after moving up from strawweight where she previously held the championship belt. She is currently ranked No. 6 in women’s flyweight.
Her opponent, Miranda Maverick (15-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC), has been steadily climbing the rankings and currently sits in the Top 15 of the division, holding the No. 12 spot in women’s flyweight. This matchup represents a significant test for both fighters as they look to position themselves for bigger opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Rose Namajunas will face Miranda Maverick in a flyweight bout at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta on June 14.
The matchup pits a former champion against a rising ranked contender in a pivotal moment for both fighters' careers.
This Fight Night event adds another compelling women's matchup to the UFC's summer schedule, potentially reshaping the flyweight division.
Fight Announcement
The UFC has officially scheduled a flyweight bout between Rose Namajunas and Miranda Maverick for an upcoming Fight Night event. Maverick wrote on social media about her excitement for the fight and her respect for Namajunas. This high-profile matchup, according to the official announcement, pairs a former champion against a rising contender in what promises to be an exciting contest.
Event Details
The fight is targeted for June 14, 2025 at a UFC Fight Night card in Atlanta, Georgia. While the UFC has not officially announced the complete card, this women’s flyweight bout is expected to feature prominently. Despite training together, Namajunas and Maverick primarily train at different gyms, which adds an interesting dynamic to their matchup.
The Atlanta event will likely take place at State Farm Arena, though the venue hasn’t been formally confirmed. This marks the promotion’s return to Atlanta after several years. They have luckily trained primarily at separate gyms, allowing them to prepare for this fight while continuing to refine their skills.
Neither fighter has been announced as the main event, but given Namajunas’ championship pedigree, the bout could potentially serve as the co-main event or a featured bout on the main card.
Anticipated Matchup
This contest represents a significant opportunity for both fighters. Former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (13-7) continues her campaign in the flyweight division after moving up from 115 pounds. Namajunas's victories over fighters like Amanda Ribas have solidified her reputation in the UFC. “Thug Rose” will look to build momentum following her divisional change, where she has fought four times with a record of 2-2.
For Miranda Maverick (15-5), currently ranked in the Top 15, this fight represents her biggest opportunity yet. A win over a former champion would significantly boost her standing in the division.
The stylistic matchup pits Namajunas’ technical striking and submission skills against Maverick’s grappling prowess and improving stand-up game. Both fighters are known for their well-rounded skill sets and high work rate. Interestingly, Maverick has trained with Namajunas extensively in the past, adding an extra layer of familiarity to this contest. Maverick has expressed that Namajunas has inspired so many women in the sport, including herself.
Fighter Profiles
Both fighters bring unique skills and backgrounds to this anticipated flyweight matchup. Their contrasting styles and career trajectories make this bout particularly intriguing for UFC fans.
Rose Namajunas Profile
Rose “Thug Rose” Namajunas enters this bout with a professional record of 13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC. The former two-time UFC strawweight champion is continuing her campaign at flyweight after moving up from the 115-pound division.
Namajunas is known for her technical striking and excellent ground game. Her footwork and distance management have been key weapons throughout her career.
At 33 years old, Namajunas brings championship experience to the octagon. Her notable victories include wins over Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Zhang Weili, and Jéssica Andrade. Her notable victories also include a win over Tracy Cortez.
Her last fight resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot in September 2023, making this bout crucial for her career trajectory. Namajunas has also lost to Erin Blanchfield by unanimous decision, further emphasizing the importance of this fight. Namajunas has demonstrated resilience throughout her career, often bouncing back from defeats with impressive performances. Maverick has described Namajunas as a champion person, both in and out of the octagon.
Miranda Maverick Profile
Miranda Maverick enters this contest with a 15-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC record. The 26-year-old flyweight has steadily climbed the rankings through consistent performances. Maverick has trained with Namajunas on a regular basis over the past few years, which has helped her develop her skills.
Maverick possesses strong wrestling credentials and physical strength that make her takedown attempts particularly effective. Her ground control and top pressure have been instrumental in her UFC success.
Originally from Missouri, Maverick balances her fighting career with academic pursuits, holding a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This intellectual approach translates to her tactical fighting style.
Maverick has won four of her last five fights, showing steady improvement in her striking to complement her grappling. She is currently on a four-fight win streak, which highlights her momentum heading into this matchup. Her aggressive fighting style creates difficult matchups for technically-oriented fighters like Namajunas.
This fight represents Maverick’s biggest opportunity to date against a former champion.
Strategic Analysis
Rose Namajunas and Miranda Maverick bring contrasting styles that will create an intriguing tactical battle in their upcoming flyweight clash. Their individual strengths and weaknesses will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of their June 14th matchup.
Stand-Up Game
Namajunas holds a significant advantage in the striking department with her technical precision and footwork. The former UFC champion utilizes fluid movement and angle changes to set up her combinations effectively.
Maverick tends to be more aggressive and power-focused in her stand-up approach. She relies on forward pressure but may struggle with Namajunas' counter-striking ability.
The reach dynamic will be interesting to watch, as both fighters must adjust to competing at flyweight. Namajunas' experience fighting longer opponents at strawweight could prove valuable.
Key striking stats to watch:
Strike accuracy
Significant strikes landed per minute
Counter-strike effectiveness
Ground Game & Takedowns
Maverick’s wrestling background gives her a potential edge in initiating takedowns. Their training history together has involved sharpening each other's tools, which has prepared them well for this fight. Her strong clinch work and ability to control opponents against the cage could neutralize Namajunas’ striking advantage.
Namajunas isn’t easily controlled, however. Her scrambling ability and submission threats make her dangerous even when taken down. Her guillotine and rear-naked choke setups require constant vigilance from opponents.
The flyweight bout might see Maverick attempting early takedowns to establish control, while Namajunas will likely work to keep the fight standing or quickly return to her feet.
If Maverick secures top position, she has shown the ability to maintain control and work toward a potential TKO through ground strikes, though Namajunas’ defensive grappling makes this path challenging.
Previous Fights and Performance
Both Rose Namajunas and Miranda Maverick have established themselves as formidable competitors in the UFC with impressive fight histories. Their upcoming matchup brings together two fighters with different career trajectories and fighting styles.
Namajunas' Fight History
Rose Namajunas, nicknamed “Thug Rose,” has an MMA record of 13-7 with 11 fights in the UFC. She is a two-time UFC strawweight champion, having defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 217 and Zhang Weili at UFC 261. Her notable victories include wins over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez.
Namajunas lost her last fight, which may impact her position on the upcoming June 14 card. Her move up to the flyweight division has shown mixed results so far.
Her notable victories include:
Jessica Andrade (Split Decision)
Zhang Weili (KO/TKO)
Joanna Jędrzejczyk (Submission and Decision)
Namajunas is known for her technical striking, ground skills, and mental toughness. She has 5 wins by submission, showcasing her well-rounded ability as a fighter.
Maverick's Fight History
Miranda Maverick enters this fight with a 15-5 MMA record and an 8-3 record in the UFC. She has steadily climbed the flyweight rankings, now sitting in the Top 15.
Maverick has shown impressive grappling skills and improved striking in recent bouts. Her strength and conditioning have been key factors in her victories.
Notable wins in Maverick's UFC career include:
Shanna Young (Unanimous Decision)
Sabina Mazo (Submission)
Pearl Gonzalez (Unanimous Decision)
Maverick has won 4 fights by submission and 7 by decision, demonstrating her ability to control fights both on the ground and standing. She has displayed significant growth since joining the UFC.
Broader Impact on UFC Landscape
This matchup between Rose Namajunas and Miranda Maverick carries significant implications for the UFC's flyweight division and could reshape future title contention scenarios.
Flyweight Division Dynamics
The June 14 flyweight bout introduces fresh competitive dynamics to a division seeking new contenders. Namajunas and Maverick have luckily trained primarily at different gyms, which has allowed them to prepare for this fight while continuing to support each other's growth. Namajunas, with her championship pedigree from strawweight, brings star power and technical prowess that elevates the entire flyweight roster.
Maverick’s opportunity against a former champion represents the UFC’s commitment to developing emerging talent. The division currently lacks depth compared to others, making this fight crucial for establishing a clear contender hierarchy.
This matchup could also impact rankings significantly. A win for Maverick would catapult her into the top 5, while Namajunas could solidify her position as a multi-division threat with consecutive flyweight victories.
Potential Future Matchups
The outcome will create several compelling matchmaking possibilities.
The winner could face top contenders like Manon Fiorot or Erin Blanchfield in a number one contender bout, potentially featured on a major UFC pay-per-view like UFC 305.
For Namajunas, victory might even accelerate her path to challenging champion Valentina Shevchenko, given her name recognition and previous title reigns. The UFC values champions who can transition between weight classes successfully.
Meanwhile, Maverick's development as a prospect has shown promise, and an upset victory would likely earn her a fight against a top-3 opponent.
The flyweight division benefits regardless of outcome, gaining either a legitimate new contender or validating a former champion's divisional shift.