UFC Fight Night: Rose Namajunas wants flyweight belt 'this year,' expects Amanda Ribas to 'bring it' in Las Vegas

Rose Namajunas says she hopes to claim the UFC flyweight belt by the end of 2024 ahead of her Fight Night main event bout with Amanda Ribas in Las Vegas.

Namajunas is a two-time strawweight champion in the UFC but is currently competing in the flyweight division, where she hopes to topple No. 8-ranked Ribas on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

‘Thug’ comes into the fight after back-to-back defeats in her last two visits to the Octagon, most recently on her flyweight debut against No.3-ranked Manon Fiorot in September 2023.

But that setback hasn’t dampened her confidence or ambition ahead of her headline bout against Ribas in the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

“If I could just get ranked after this fight and be in the mix...I want to put on a really good performance to where I am, right in that title contention. That’s my goal right now,” Namajunas told TNT Sports.

“I want to be able to come out of this fight healthy and with a good performance.

“If I can do that and that happens, I’m looking for a quick turnaround and I’m looking to get as close to that belt as possible, maybe get it this year if possible.”

Ribas will present a tough challenge, the Brazilian fighter having also straddled the flyweight and strawweight divisions.

With a 2-1 record last year, winning fights in both divisions either side of a defeat to Maycee Barber in June, Ribas comes into the fight more battle-hardened than Namajunas, whose defeat to Fiorot was her only fight in almost two years.

“I have a very well-rounded game and I know Amanda does too,” Namajunas said.

“On paper she has a judo black belt, and I am impressed with her judo and her ability to maintain tap pressure and things like that.

“Overall, I think what makes her very special is her heart and determination and her attitude towards a fight. She brings it every time. She’s not just going to roll over and quit, she’s going to show up.

“I believe in my skill set, and I believe I’m the better fighter all round. For me it’s important I perform and bring my best self, because if that happens it doesn’t matter who is standing across from me.”

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