Michelle Waterson got the bulk of the promotional push leading into her UFC on FOX 24 co-main event bout with Rose Namajunas.
But when fight night rolled around, it was Namajunas who made the most of her time in the national television spotlight. The Grudge fighter put in a coming-of-age performance on Saturday night in Kansas City, submitting “The Karate Hottie” at the 2:47 mark of the second round.
Waterson (14-5) got things rolling by grabbing a side headlock and throwing Namajunas (6-3) to the mat. But “Thug Rose” changed position, put Waterson into a full nelson, and turned the round into her favor.
Namajunas took total control in the second round. Namjunas blasted Waterson with a perfectly timed head kick as Waterson tried to scamper away. Waterson hit the deck and it was to her credit that she wasn’t instantly put away. But while Waterson survived the initial ground onslaught, she wasn’t able to do anything once Namajunas got in position for a tight rear-naked choke, leading to the tapout.
“I remember we broke in the cage one time and she reached for my right hand and I thought I had the chance to throw that right kick,” Namajunas said.
Waterson had a two-fight win streak snapped, while Namajunas has won four out of her past five. Afterward, she called for the winner of the upcoming strawweight title fight between UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and challenger Jessica Andrade.
“I feel like I can go all the way for the belt and hold it awhile,” Namajunas said. “Joanna or whoever holds the belt after that, be careful.”