Jessica Andrade was on the receiving end of one of Rose Namajunas’ most masterful in-cage performances – until Andrade grabbed a leg and slammed the champ head-first on the canvas.
After largely being picked apart for the first seven minutes of their strawweight title bout at UFC 237 in May 2019, Andrade clinched Namajunas against the cage. As she attempted to counter the lift of Andrade, Namajunas grabbed wrist control.
UFC commentator Dominick Cruz praised Namajunas’ defense, right before the Brazilian challenger elevated and slammed the American on her head.
Andrade became the first Brazilian strawweight champion in the division’s history and only the third woman from Brazil to wear UFC gold. The knockout not only earned Andrade her $100,000 win bonus, but a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus, as well.
Since that fight 11 months ago, Andrade has competed once – a title loss to Weili Zhang in August 2019. As for Namajunas, she hasn’t competed since losing her title and even briefly considered retirement.
On April 18, Andrade (20-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) and Namajunas (8-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) are scheduled to meet once again, assuming the UFC can find a place to host the event during the ongoing global pandemic. This time, the UFC title won’t be on the line. However, it’s likely the victor of the UFC 249 co-main event will propel themself back into the title picture with a win.
Relive Jessica Andrade’s slam finish of Rose Namajunas in the video above.
