Rose Namajunas unsure of return after eye surgery, title losses

Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas has not committed to a return date after undergoing eye surgery in January, telling the Weighing In podcast she wants her next fight to have clear purpose.

Namajunas required emergency surgery after an eye poke against Natalia Silva at UFC 324, a fight she lost by decision despite a strong opening. Doctors inserted a silicone tube into her eye, and recovery lasted three months. She also tore the UCL in her thumb, according to MMA Mania.

Path to flyweight title unclear after three losses

The 34-year-old has dropped three consecutive bouts at 125 pounds, each time being told a win would earn a title shot. She fell short against Manon Fiorot, Erin Blanchfield, and Silva, leaving her record at the weight an even 3-3. "I do want to compete, and I still want to fight again, but I want to make sure that when I'm going in there, I'm going for a purpose and a reason," she said.

Namajunas moved to flyweight in 2023 after a split decision loss to Carla Esparza ended her strawweight run. She has beaten top opposition at the new weight but never secured the title eliminator victories needed to challenge for gold.

A drop back to strawweight could open a clearer path. Namajunas holds two wins over former champion Zhang Weili, and current titleholder Mackenzie Dern presents a winnable matchup. Weight cuts grow harder with age, but strawweight remains her best route to another championship fight if she decides to continue.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Is Rose Namajunas retired? Former champion searching for purposeful return after eye surgery