Rose Namajunas’ manager issues statement on Andrade vs. Zhang: She needs some time to heal up

Former UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will not be getting an immediate rematch with Jessica Andrade, and ‘Thug’ is fine with that.

That’s according to Namajunas’ manager, Brian Butler, who issued a statement on the proposed strawweight title fight between Andrade and Weili Zhang at UFC Shenzhen in mainland China.

According to Butler, Namajunas is taking some time off to heal up and is expected to return to the Octagon by the end of the year.

“Rose was definitely interested in the rematch however right now she is taking time to heal up,” Butler said in a statement to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “She had a neck injury before her last fight and now is just gong to take the time to take care of herself and get back to 100%. Her plan is to fight sometime by the end of this year. When Rose decides to come back she will come back better than ever.”

The good news is that Namajunas won’t be retiring. Following her devastating knockout loss to Andrade at UFC 237, Rose, 26, hinted that she may hang up the gloves. Namajunas was knocked unconscious after being slammed on her head by Andrade in the second round of the UFC 237 main event, but the Colorado-based fighter appears rejuvenated to make a comeback and reclaim her strawweight title.

UFC Shenzhen: Andrade vs. Zhang is expected to take place later this year, Aug. 31 at Universiade Sports Centre in Shenzhen, China.