5 potential opponents for Rose Namajunas after her latest setback at UFC 274

#2. Rose Namajunas vs Jessica Andrade 3

UFC 251 - Jessica Andrade(left) vs. Rose Namajunas: Weigh-Ins

Jessica Andrade overcame quite a bit of adversity when she first met Rose Namajunas in the octagon. She was beaten to the punch in all but the final moments of the fight. Ultimately, a slam rendered Namajunas unconscious and the Brazilian victorious.

The two later had a rematch and Namajunas won via split decision in what was a very competitive bout. Subsequent to this defeat, Andrade took a brief detour up to flyweight where she went 2-1, the loss coming in a title fight against Valentina Shevchenko.

The 30-year-old has since returned to strawweight and won in impressive fashion on her comeback. A third fight between the two former champions would be fitting.

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#1. Rose Namajunas vs Carla Esparza 3

UFC 274: Carla Esparza defeats Rose Namajunas

Their last meeting wasn't exactly the best exhibition of mixed martial arts. After 25 minutes, only 68 significant strikes landed. About as pedestrian as a title fight has ever been, fans may not be too excited for these ladies to lock horns again.

Regardless, Rose Namajunas is, arguably, the best strawweight that the UFC has seen. She's brought more excitement to fans than many fighters will and she shouldn't lose too much stock following this recent defeat. Many champions have been in stale fights, it's not abnormal.

With all that 'Thug' Rose has done, she deserves an instant rematch against 'Cookie Monster'. At 29-years-old and yet to hit her prime, she's still making mistakes and learning from them.

Namajunas vs Esparza having a trilogy fight would give 'Thug' Rose the chance to prove that she's still the best in the world. It's fair that she gets this opportunity.