Following a much-disputed strawweight title loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. Namajunas found herself at a crossroads in her fighting career.
Following a much-disputed strawweight title loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. Namajunas found herself at a crossroads in her fighting career. The lackluster performance left fans and even Namajunas herself questioning her future in the sport. For the past 14 months, there was little word from the fighter, leaving uncertainty surrounding her next move.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Namajunas opened up about her hiatus and the doubts that crept into her mind after the title loss. “I definitely thought I was done for a good amount of time,” she admitted. The fighter revealed that she felt a lack of aggression and a reluctance to inflict harm on her opponents in the locker room before the fight. Leading her to consider stepping away from the sport.
However, it wasn’t just the performance in the cage that caused Namajunas to question her fighting career. She delved into a deeper spiritual contemplation, pondering whether fighting aligns with her beliefs and a “godly life.” Namajunas eventually concluded that fighting is her calling and she possesses a unique warrior spirit that sets her apart.
“I know I don’t have a ton of time left, but I know He’s not finished with me yet in this chapter,” Namajunas asserted, reaffirming her commitment to her fighting journey. She acknowledged that her life has been a balancing act, with one foot in and one foot out, but now she declares herself “all the way back” and ready to fight.
The fighter shared her vulnerability, acknowledging that her mental stability has been questioned in the past, particularly by former rival Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Namajunas recognizes the complexity of the sport and the emotions that come with it likening it to a “drug” that provides both challenges and euphoria.
Namajunas’ journey in mixed martial arts has been nothing short of extraordinary. She first captured the strawweight title in 2017 with a stunning upset victory over Jedrzejczyk cementing her place among the elite fighters in the division. However, she lost the title to Jessica Andrade in 2019 before reclaiming it in an epic rematch.
Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, Namajunas looks ahead to further defining her legacy in the sport. She expressed her desire to become a two-division champion. An ambitious goal that would undoubtedly solidify her status as one of the sport’s greats.
With her latest victory over Esparza, Namajunas has positioned herself at the front of the contender line for another title shot. She understands the challenges that lie ahead but is determined to embrace the journey and pursue her dreams.
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