Rose Namajunas on Joanna Jędrzejczyk: ‘I Feel Connected To Her Forever’

A former two-time strawweight champion, Namajunas, 31, lost her flyweight debut in September against Manon Fiorot. It was a unanimous decision defeat, one where Namajunas never recovered after dislocating her pinky finger early in the first round. It marked the first time Namajunas (11-6) suffered back-to-back losses since 2014, and she will attempt to break that losing streak on Saturday.

Ribas (13-4) has split her last four fights, but she has the potential to be lethal in the cage. A picturesque spinning wheel kick in her last fight propelled her to victory against Luana Pinheiro. For Ribas, 30, a win against Namajunas would instantly be the biggest of her career.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Namajunas discussed her flyweight debut, the changes she made in preparation for this bout, and where she sees herself in the title picture, as well as the recent Hall of Fame announcement for Joanna Jędrzejczyk, who she fought in two memorable bouts.

Justin Barrasso: There were encouraging aspects from your flyweight debut, but it ended in a unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot. How difficult was it to process the loss?

Rose Namajunas: There were aspects that were difficult for me to process, but there were some promising parts, too. Any time I can push through a challenge is a positive. That dislocated finger in the first round of the fight was definitely a doozy. I’ve fought through injuries before, but this one was tough. Ultimately, there were positional things I needed to improve and areas I could have been better, so there were a lot of learning lessons.

Barrasso: What was the biggest difference in moving to flyweight?

Namajunas: The biggest difference for me was fighting someone taller than me. At strawweight, it was a challenge to deal with shorter people. Even though that fight ended as a loss, I still felt better fighting someone who was taller.

I made some life changes after that fight, too, and I’m feeling good about Saturday.

Barrasso: What type of life changes?

Namajunas: Training differences, buying a new house, a lot of things. And it’s just taken me time to get comfortable [at flyweight]. The changes are small, but they will pay off.

Barrasso: You are an extremely cerebral fighter. What do you think about when you work on your jab?

Namajunas: I’m always trying to paint a picture. That’s what I do with the jab. It’s my chance to create something and inspire people.

Barrasso: You will always be connected to Joanna Jędrzejczyk, who you defeated twice. What was your reaction when you learned Joanna was going to the UFC Hall of Fame?

Namajunas: I’m super happy for her. This is the way she should end her career, with the Hall of Fame. It’s a tough transition when you’re not fighting. We’re fighters, this is what we do, and it is hard to stop. So I’m happy she is getting recognized like this. I feel connected to her forever, and I’m extremely happy for her.

Barrasso:  Looking at Saturday, there is no denying Amanda Ribas’ toughness and skill. Were you surprised when you saw her connect with a spinning wheel kick in her last fight against Luana Pinheiro?

Namajunas: She throws that spin kick a lot, and she can take a lot of faces to the face and stay determined to win. She’s very tough. Her heart, her determination, she’s getting better and better. But I believe in my power. I believe I can finish anybody with my punches and my strikes. I’m prepared for her to take all of it, and I’ll be ready to keep dishing it out.

Barrasso: Ribas brings excellent defense into this fight. She has a history of constantly applying pressure, and even holds a takedown ratio of 15.3. Does a win here put you right where you want to be in the division?

Namajunas: That would be awesome. A win would make a compelling argument for me. We’ll see what happens with Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot in their fight next week, too. A lot can happen. I’m focused on being my best in this fight.

Barrasso: At the risk of oversimplifying, will this fight be decided by whoever finds their rhythm first and leads the action?

Namajunas: Establishing distance and getting my rhythm will be key. I know I’m the better fighter. When I do my best, I really am the best. That’s the way I believe it.

Barrasso: For those seeking some action/violence, you’ll be looking to land a knockout?

Namajunas: I would love a body shot finish. But I’ll take it any way I can.