5 fighters who could end 2018 with a UFC title and 5 who won't

Won’t end 2018 with a title: Rose Namajunas

UFC 217: Jedrzejczyk v Namajunas — Rose Namajunas seems too vulnerable to hold onto her title through 2018

So I kind of gave away this one with the last slide by stating that I expect Joanna Jedrzejczyk to take back her title if and when she rematches the current champion Rose Namajunas, but even if lightning can strike twice and ‘Thug Rose’ can defeat the Polish kickboxer for a second time, I’m not sure if I can see her holding the title as 2018 closes out.

Why? I know she defeated the best fighter the weight division has ever seen, but I’m still not sure that I buy her as the absolute best in the division. It was only in 2014 that Carla Esparza thoroughly dominated her on the ground before submitting her, and 2016 saw Karolina Kowalkiewicz outwork her in the clinch to win a decision. Her win over Tecia Torres in 2016 was also a questionable decision that could’ve gone either way.

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Basically, despite an array of flashy finishing skills and a tremendous heart, I just feel that Rose is too vulnerable to hold onto her title past 2018, especially not when she might end up facing a dangerous contender like Torres, Jessica Andrade, or Claudia Gadelha. Even if the new champion doesn’t end up being Jedrzejczyk, I don’t see Namajunas with the title come the end of the year.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by anirudh.b