5 keys to victory for Rose Namajunas

#4. Force scrambles

UFC Fight Night: Namajunas securing top position.

On paper, with a 51% takedown defense, Namajunas, 29, will make her opponent work hard for the takedowns. However, this fight hitting the mat may be an eventuality. When/if this happens, Namajunas would be wise not to settle in a losing position.

'Cookie Monster' is adept at scoring takedowns, but the real problem is when she gets comfortable on top. She tends to move into dominant positions, leaving her opponents stuck and damaged, as seen in her most recent victory over Xiaonan Yan.

Rose Namajunas, if taken down, will need to get to work immediately. If she can keep the momentum going, she'll have much more success with getting to her feet, where she should have an easier route to victory. Utilizing her submission skills or even just the threat of ssubmissions,will significantly help her work her way to her feet.

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#3. Fight long

UFC 268: Namajunas (right) striking Zhang Weili.

Namajunas is on the better side of a two-inch reach discrepancy entering UFC 274. The champion should utilize every bit of this advantage, for it'll play perfectly into the game plan of staying on the outside and avoiding being taken down.

The champion is ever-improving. Namajunas' striking seems to be more refined with each outing in the octagon. A rather rangy build will aid 'Thug' Rose keep Esparza from fighting her typical suffocating style. The closer, the better for 'Cookie Monster.' Namajunas will have to keep space between them to make the most out of it.

Beyond this, Namajunas will need to stay true to the fundamentals. Popping her jab and prodding kicks up the middle will slowly chip away at the former champion's confidence, and the fight will tilt in favor of Namajunas retaining her belt.