Rose Namajunas Eyeing Bout With Jessica Andrade Upon Return

UFC Women’s Starwweight Champion Rose Namajunas hasn’t been seen in the Octagon since defeating former champion Joanna Jedzrejczyk by decision at UFC 223.

The champ is planning on returning to action soon, once the holiday season comes to an end.

“Right now I’m kind of getting back into strength and conditioning, conditioning my body, not really taking impact to the head or anything like that,” Namajunas said backstage at UFC Fight Night Denver. “Just working on being a better athlete and, I guess, managing everything else in my life. Then after the holidays I think we could start talking about a fight.”

Namajunas was a victim of the Conor McGregor bus attack prior to UFC 223, but still managed to successfully defend the title a few days later.

When Namajunas does make that Octagon return, a suitable opponent in her mind would be Jessica Andrade.

“I don’t see how anyone other than Andrade would make sense,” Namajunas said. “I know she wants to stay active, and if she wants to have another fight until I’m ready, then that’s cool. But if not I’d love to have the chance at her.”

Andrade has previously challenged once before for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Title, losing to then champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 211.