Rose Namajunas, who goes by the moniker ‘Thug’, is a veteran mixed martial artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who has been competing in the UFC since 2014. A former two-time UFC strawweight champion, Namajunas's childhood was rough, to say the least, including her father's departure and death, and her own experience of child sexual abuse. Despite these obstacles in her path, she found her calling in sports. She graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where she competed as a cross-country runner. She made her UFC debut at the young age of 22 against Carla Esparza and went on to become a two-time UFC strawweight champion.
After losing the rematch against Carla Esparza at UFC 274, Namajunas took a short hiatus and moved up to the flyweight division (125 lbs). Her debut in the new weight class was unsuccessful as she lost to Manon Fiorot via unanimous decision. However, she bounced back with a convincing win over Amanda Ribas in March 2024. With a record of 13-6-0, Namajunas is currently ranked No.5 in the women's flyweight division and No.6 in the women's pound-for-pound rankings. ‘Thug’ is now set to face the fan-favorite flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield on November 2, 2024.
Rose Namajunas hair
Rose ‘Thug’ Namajunas, has kept her hair short since 2015 ahead of her UFC Fight Night 80 clash with Paige VanZant. The reason behind her decision to buzz cut her long blonde locks was because it would get in the way of her training and fights.
She took to Instagram to share her new look and wrote, "It's a fight, not a beauty pageant. S**t's in my way at practice... Cut it off!". She has also mentioned that she never really knew what to do with her hair and that it was a big change for her, like letting go of her past.
Rose Namajunas' UFC record
Rose Namajunas made her first walk to the UFC octagon against Carla Esparza in 2014. Since then, the Wisconsin native has compiled a clinical UFC record of 10 wins and 5 losses in 15 outings (10-5-0). Namajunas has multiple wins over the fiercest female contenders in the UFC including two victories over the current strawweight champ, Zhang Weili.
*Last updated on October 31, 2024.
FAQs
A. Rose Namajunas keeps a short haircut to ensure it doesn't hinder her training or get in her way during fights.
A. Namajunas began sporting a buzz cut ahead of her UFC fight with Paige VanZant in 2015 and has stuck with the style ever since.
A. In 15 fights, Rose ‘Thug’ Namajunas has compiled a record of 10 wins and 5 losses.
A. Rose Namajunas lost her titles to Jessica Andrade and Carla Esparza.
A. Rose Namjunas hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
