Rose Namajunas Most on-the-job training does not take place inside a fenced in combat zone while one individual attempts to inflict grievous bodily harm on another. However, that’s kind of what Rose Namajunas faced when she stepped into the UFC octagon to face Carla Esparza for the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight title. Namajunas (2-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was on a roll heading into that December fight. During the filming of Season 20 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the 22-year-old had submitted each of her three opponents, earning her a shot at the inaugural title. The Milwaukee, Wis., native also had UFC President Dana White proclaiming that she had the potential to be a Ronda Rousey-like figure in the UFC’s 115 pound women’s division. Adding a little fuel to that fire, Rousey herself proclaimed that Namajunas was “special.” The one thing that stood between Namajunas and UFC championship glory was Esparza (10-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC), the 27-year-old former Invicta FC strawweight champion
Read the original:
Despite title loss, Rose Namajunas hopes she can still earn Rousey comparisons – MMA Junkie