MMA Preview – Rose Namajunas vs Jessica Andrade at UFC 237
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 237? Sunday 12th May, 2019 – 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 237? Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What channel is UFC 237? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 237? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live and you can take advantage of a free trial with ESPN+ and subscribe now by clicking here!
Are tickets still available for UFC 237? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
‘Thug’ Rose is finally back to defend her crown after more than a year off and she flies into enemy territory to take on the number one contender Jessica ‘Bate Estaca’ Andrade in the capital of the fighting nation of Brazil.
Namajunas has not fought since she defended her strawweight title against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 223. She shocked the world the first time they met back in November 2017 by knocking her out in the first round, handing her opponent her first ever loss. We knew Namajunas’ stand-up skills were improving but she had never finished anyone on the feet and she was up against one of the best female strikers in MMA. It was an incredible feat and proved it was not a lucky shot by outpointing the Pole in the rematch.
Namajunas has only won eight professional fights but she has had three title fights already. She continues to improve but she has been out for a long time and is up against a beast and completely different opponent and fights on foreign soil for the first time.
After getting outclassed by Jedrzejczyk back in May 2017, Andrade has surged into the form of her life. She bounced back from that loss by earning an impressive decision over fellow strong grappler Claudia Gadelha and repeated the feat against Tecia Torres but her last fight put everyone on notice. She flatlined stand-up specialist Karolina Kowalkiewicz with a monster right hand which is rare at 115 lbs but it illustrated the multifaceted threat of the powerhouse.
THE PREDICTION
Andrade needs to force the pressure as usual. Close the distance, unleash heavy strikes and mix in clinches and takedowns. She needs to dictate where the fight goes to stifle any rhythm and her power and timing will be crucial to that.
It will be fascinating to see what Namajunas’ strategy will be. She is a cerebral fighter and will have a well-thought out game plan. She will be confident in her stand-up but her defence and in particular her head movement will have to be on point to avoid the wild power punches of Andrade.
She will also be aware that she won’t match Andrade’s power if they tie up but her bread and butter is her Jiu-Jitsu and she will hunt a submission if the fight goes to the floor.
Namajunas in technically a better fighter but it is difficult to predict how she will perform. She is coming off bad spinal injuries and fights in another country for the first time against arguably the most dangerous fighter in the division.
The atmosphere will also be hostile for Namajunas but she will have the ability and strategy to keep Andrade at a distance and pick her apart with combinations, movement and timing but will have to be dominant to earn the decision.
Winner: Namajunas via Decision
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
