5 potential opponents for Jessica Andrade following her victorious return to strawweight

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2. Jessica Andrade vs. the loser of Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza

UFC 268: Rose Namajunas emerged victorious in a rematch against Zhang Weili

We're less than two weeks out from Rose Namajunas defending her strawweight title in a long-awaited rematch against Carla Esparza. 'Cookie Monster' was able to secure the victory in their 2014 meeting, but 'Thug' Rose is a much different fighter now and is undefeated in rematches.

No matter how the fight plays out, Jessica Andrade is right on the heels of all involved. Namajunas is currently 1-1 against the Brazilian, so a rubber match is an excellent option for a rebound fight should the belt find a new home around Esparza's waist.

However, if the champion continues her winning ways, Esparza vs. Andrade is an exciting match. These two fighters have been at the top of the division for some time but are yet to cross paths. Esparza fighting Jessica Andrade would be a completely new fight for the division and a high-stakes one.

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#1. Jessica Andrade vs. Mackenzie Dern

UFC 273: Mackenzie Dern after defeating Tecia Torres

Mackenzie Dern is well on her way to strawweight greatness. The jiu-jitsu specialist recently defeated Tecia Torres in an incredibly exciting fight. She's improving with every performance and picking up some quality names in her win column.

Over half of her wins are by submission, but she's no one-trick pony. Her poise on the feet is becoming more evident as she evolves as a martial artist. Don't get it wrong, she can submit about anybody in the division, but she's getting to the point where she can stand with them too.

If there were ever the perfect style for Dern to test herself against, it would be Andrade's. Her hands are getting explosive, and she's brilliant in grappling exchanges. Dern said she doesn't want the title shot yet, so a former champion is a great way to prepare herself for title contention.