Rose Gertrude Namajunas Bio
Rose Gertrude Namajunas is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is a former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and is ranked #6 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings and #13 in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings as of late 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rose Namajunas comes from Lithuanian heritage. Her great-grandmother inspired her name, and her family history includes military service and resistance during Soviet occupation. Namajunas grew up in a tough neighborhood in Milwaukee, where she earned the nickname “Thug Rose” for her toughness despite being the smallest and only white girl among her friends. She graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where she was a senior-year wrestler and cross-country runner.
Path to MMA
Namajunas began practicing martial arts early, starting taekwondo at age five and earning a junior black belt by nine. She later trained in karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, achieving black belts in taekwondo and karate and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. During high school, she began training in kickboxing and mixed martial arts under Duke Roufus at Roufusport. Her amateur MMA career started in 2010, where she compiled a perfect 4–0 record before turning professional in 2013.
Rose Namajunas Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Namajunas made her professional MMA debut at Invicta FC 4 in January 2013, winning by submission and earning Submission of the Night honors. She continued to impress with a flying armbar submission at Invicta FC 5 and fought notable prospects like Tecia Torres. In 2013, she signed with the UFC and competed on The Ultimate Fighter 20, reaching the final but losing to Carla Esparza.
UFC Breakthrough (2015–2017)
Namajunas secured her first UFC win via first-round submission against Angela Hill in 2015 and followed with a notable victory over Paige VanZant. She earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses during this period. In 2017, she achieved a major upset by knocking out the undefeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship, marking her first knockout victory.
Championship Reign and Defenses (2017–2019)
Namajunas successfully defended her strawweight title in a rematch against Jędrzejczyk in 2018. She faced setbacks due to spinal stenosis but returned to compete at a high level. In 2019, she lost the title to Jéssica Andrade by knockout but later avenged the loss by split decision in 2020.
Second Championship and Recent Career (2021–Present)
In 2021, Namajunas regained the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship by knocking out Zhang Weili with a head kick, becoming the first female fighter to regain a UFC title. She defended the belt successfully in a rematch with Zhang. In 2022, she lost the title to Carla Esparza in a closely contested bout. Namajunas moved up to the Flyweight division in 2023 and continues to compete actively.
Driving Style and Strengths
Namajunas is known for her technical striking, advanced footwork, and creative use of angles. She applies forward pressure with jabs and high kicks and incorporates grappling and submissions when closing distance. Her orthodox stance complements her versatile fighting style.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rose Namajunas’s career highlights include becoming a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion, earning multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses, and making history as the first woman to regain a UFC title. Her upset knockout of Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 217 is regarded as a defining moment.
Rose Namajunas Career Wins
Namajunas has amassed 14 professional wins in mixed martial arts, with victories coming by decision, knockout, and submission. Her record reflects her well-rounded skill set and ability to perform under pressure.
UFC Highlights
Namajunas’s UFC career includes landmark wins such as her first championship victory over Joanna Jędrzejczyk and her second title win against Zhang Weili. She has earned multiple post-fight bonuses and has been a consistent contender in both the Strawweight and Flyweight divisions.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Namajunas made a strong impression in Invicta FC with submission victories that showcased her grappling prowess. Her amateur record was undefeated, setting the stage for her professional success.
Rose Namajunas Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Namajunas’s family has a rich Lithuanian heritage, with ancestors involved in military service and resistance during Soviet times. Her grandfather was a national wrestling champion. She has a brother, Nojus, who is also a mixed martial artist.
Personal Life
Rose Namajunas is engaged to former UFC heavyweight Pat Barry, whom she met while training at Duke Roufus’ gym. She practices Christianity and has spoken openly about her family’s history and her personal motivations. Namajunas resides in Denver, Colorado.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Namajunas continues to compete in the UFC Flyweight division, maintaining a strong presence in the rankings. She secured a unanimous decision win over Miranda Maverick and is scheduled to face former Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso in early 2026. Her experience and technical skills keep her a formidable competitor as she aims to reclaim championship status.