UFC 251 results: Rose Namajunas takes split decision over Jessica Andrade in epic rematch

Two former strawweight queens put on a show on the UFC 251 main card. The UFC’s #1 ranked, Jessica Andrade, and the #2 rated, Rose Namajunas, waged war in their rematch, with Namajunas ultimately walking away with the split decision victory. Tons of strikes were landed and absorbed each round and on both sides, with both women leaving it all in the Octagon. This fight is an instant classic which now warrants a potential trilogy bout further down the road. For now, Namajunas is one step closer to getting her belt back.

Opening up the fight, Andrade showed up with a ton of head movement. A TON! She worked her leg kicks while Namajunas popped off with her cross. Namajunas was catching Andrade with her boxing whenever she would try and close the distance. Andrade also ate a big knee when she shot in for a takedown, but managed to wear it rather well.

The strawweights went toe to toe again in the second act. Both women threw and absorbed flush punches, without anyone really getting wobbled. Neither fighter was willing to back down, which made for an exciting back and forth war. The volume favored Namajunas, who jousted her jab to answer Andrade’s pressure.

Namajunas found a groove early in the final round, landing a bunch of jabs and picking off her foe. Andrade hit a hip toss, and when the fighters stood back up, Namajunas was bloodied up around her nose. Andrade started to unleash some volume with her hands, tagging Rose and applying pressure. Namajunas weathered the storm and trusted her jab and snapped back the head of her opponent on a few occasions.

Rose Namajunas def. Jessica Andrade by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29): Strawweight