Rose Namajunas explains how much of an inspiration Women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has been to her
Thug Rose is one of the most loved women’s fighters in the UFC. She recently became the first woman in the UFC to win the same title on two different occasions, as she beat strawweight champion Zhang Weili in the very first round of their fight at UFC 261.
Despite coming into the fight as the underdog, Thug Rose showed what she is capable of. However, no one expected Namajunas to win in that fashion- a brutal leg kick to the head.
Behind the scenes footage after the victory showed Namajunas celebrating with Women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko who had successfully defended her flyweight title against Jessica Andrade, just before Namajunas’ fight.
Shevchenko has always been a believer in Namajunas, and even prior to Thug Rose’s UFC 261 fight, Shevchenko leaned towards Namajunas when asked for her prediction.
Thug Rose in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, revealed how much of an inspiration Bullet Valentina has been to her.
Namajunas exclaimed:
“I love Valentina so much. Just getting to know her, over the years, and seeing her past – she is a huge inspiration to me.”
Thug Rose was really happy for the backstage moment she shared with Shevchenko. She also acknowledged how Shevchenko always believed in her.
She continued:
“I was so happy for Valentina. She is a really cool person… She always believed in me. She always knew that I could do it. I look up to her. She is amazing.”
Valentina Shevchenko open to fighting Zhang Weili at flyweight
Prior to UFC 261, there was a lot of talk about Zhang Weili beating Rose Namajunas and then moving up to the flyweight division to fight Valentina Shevchenko.
Shevchenko addressed this in a recent interview with James Lynch of LowKickMMA.
The Kyrgyzstani was open to fighting the former strawweight champ, if she moves up to the division and asserts her authority. She also said that it was her (Weili’s) decision ultimately, while comparing it to Jessica Andrade’s recent move up to the flyweight.
But for now it looks like, all Weili wants is a rematch against Rose Namajunas.
More UFC News:
- Conor hints at future with his children as second son is on the way
- The Undertaker shares what could see Brock Lesnar return to the UFC
- (Watch) Francis Ngannou folds Stipe Miocic with insane KO at UFC 260
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates
