Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas is an American mixed martial artist who became one of the most celebrated female fighters in UFC history. Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Lithuanian immigrant parents, Namajunas began training in martial arts as a child, studying taekwondo and karate before transitioning to MMA. She gained early recognition as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 20 in 2014, where she reached the finals and launched her UFC career.

Namajunas shocked the MMA world in November 2017 when she knocked out the dominant champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the first round at UFC 217 to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. This stunning upset established her as one of the most dangerous strikers in women’s MMA. She lost the belt to Jessica Andrade in 2019 but regained it in spectacular fashion by knocking out Zhang Weili with a head kick at UFC 261 in April 2021, earning her second reign as champion.

Known by her nickname “Thug Rose,” Namajunas is widely respected for her technical striking, creative combinations, and mental toughness. Her willingness to overcome personal adversity and perform under pressure has made her an inspirational figure in combat sports. She successfully defended the strawweight title against Zhang Weili in their rematch before eventually moving up to explore the flyweight division.

With an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2026, Namajunas has earned her wealth through UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. Her marketability as a two-time champion and her engaging personality have made her one of the most recognizable female fighters in the world, with brand partnerships supplementing her fight income.