The UFC octagon was set in Kansas City, Missouri for UFC on FOX 24 and the main card did not disappoint. In the co main event of the evening, ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas disposed of ‘The Karate Hottie’ and establishes herself as a serious candidate for the next title shot at the strawweight belt of the UFC.
The fight had somewhat of a slow start in which both fighters were respectful of each other. But Namajunas didn’t take long to make herself comfortable and find the right range to land her best strikes. Rose’s main goal was for Michelle to not know what was coming next, to accomplish it, she made great use of her footwork and constantly changed levels.
Once both fighters were comfortable in the cage, Waterson was able to score the first takedown of the bout. However, she failed to maintain control and Namajunas managed to take her back. Rose made it perfectly clear that she was the better grappler in the cage. She would also look more accurate and dangerous while striking.
As the second round began, Namajunas knew she was in control so she decided to be patient and wait for the best moment to attack. Rose took Michelle down and waited for her chance. She punished Waterson and seemed to get the mount, in that moment, Michelle pushed her off and tried to get up. Rose dove back on her as she was getting up and pushed her against the cage. Seconds later she found the space to attack Waterson’s neck and didn’t hesitate. She improved the position, took the back, sunk the RNC and took Waterson to the ground, where she tapped.
“I felt like I made a few mistakes in the first round, but I just had to stay calm and go back to the corner and take a deep breath. And the second round, I knew it was gonna come together.”
