Rose Namajunas Eyes Historic Two-Division Path in UFC 324 Clash with Natalia Silva
LAS VEGAS, January 24, 2026 – Former two-time strawweight champion Rose “Thug” Namajunas stands on the precipice of history as she prepares to face surging contender Natalia Silva in a high-stakes women’s flyweight bout at UFC 324. With a victory, Namajunas has been promised the next shot at champion Valentina Shevchenko, putting her within reach of becoming only the second woman in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes.
The Road to UFC 324
Namajunas (14-7) was originally slated to face former champion Alexa Grasso on Saturday’s card, but Grasso withdrew in early December due to injury. The promotion quickly secured Silva (19-5-1) as a replacement, creating what many analysts consider an even more compelling stylistic matchup. For Namajunas, the change meant completely altering her fight preparation just weeks before the event, shifting from studying Grasso’s boxing-heavy approach to Silva’s explosive taekwondo-based attack.
“I definitely think Natalia brings more challenges than Alexa did,” Namajunas admitted in a recent interview, noting she hired a taekwondo Olympian to help prepare for Silva’s unique movement. “Her style is a lot trickier to deal with.”
What’s at Stake
The implications of this fight extend far beyond the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena. UFC executives have informed Namajunas that a win would secure her a flyweight title shot against Shevchenko, a fighter she has long admired and considers her favorite in women’s MMA. This creates a complex emotional landscape for “Thug Rose,” who must balance competitive ambition with personal admiration.
“It would definitely be conflicting emotions,” Namajunas said of a potential Shevchenko matchup. “She’s literally my favorite female fighter. I would never want to see her lose, but then I would have to go into a fight and try to beat her.”
For Silva, the fight represents an opportunity to extend her remarkable 13-fight winning streak and cement her status as the division’s top contender. The Brazilian has been flawless in the UFC, compiling a 7-0 record with dominant victories over former champions Jessica Andrade and Alexa Grasso.
Key Fighter Statistics
| Category | Rose Namajunas | Natalia Silva |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 14-7 | 19-5-1 |
| Age | 33 | 28 |
| Height | 5’5″ | 5’4″ |
| Weight Class | 125 lbs (Flyweight) | 125 lbs (Flyweight) |
| UFC Rank | #6 Flyweight | #2 Flyweight |
| Recent Form | 3-2 at flyweight (Wins: Maverick, Cortez, Ribas) | 13-fight win streak (7-0 in UFC) |
| Fighting Style | Karate, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Taekwondo, Striking |
Style Matchup and Prediction
The clash presents a fascinating technical contrast. Namajunas, known for her precise striking and improved wrestling, will look to implement a pressure game against Silva’s dynamic, movement-based attack. Silva averages 5.0 significant strikes per minute compared to Namajunas’ 3.7, but “Thug Rose” has shown increased grappling prowess in recent fights, completing all five takedown attempts against Tracy Cortez in July 2024.
“She never seems to get tired,” Namajunas said of Silva. “I’m really looking to try to take her out of that and get her out of character.”
Many analysts believe the fight will be decided by whether Silva can maintain distance and utilize her speed advantage, or if Namajunas can close the gap, implement her grappling, and drag the Brazilian into deep waters in the championship rounds.
Historical Context
Namajunas, who twice held the strawweight title with memorable victories over Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Zhang Weili, moved to flyweight in 2023 seeking new challenges. After a debut loss to Manon Fiorot, she has shown steady improvement in the heavier division, refining her game to compete against larger opponents.
A victory would not only secure her a title shot but would move her closer to achieving a goal she describes in pop culture terms: “I don’t know if you ever watched Dragon Ball Z, but you get to Super Saiyan, right? Super Saiyan level 1 is becoming a champion… Becoming a champion [at flyweight] would be like getting to Super Saiyan level 2.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is UFC 324?
UFC 324 takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event marks the UFC’s first under its new seven-year broadcast agreement with Paramount+.
What happens if Rose Namajunas wins?
According to Namajunas and multiple reports, the UFC has promised her the next flyweight title shot against champion Valentina Shevchenko with a victory over Silva.
How can I watch the fight?
UFC 324 will be available exclusively on Paramount+ as part of the UFC’s new broadcast partnership. The preliminary card begins at 5:30 PM ET, with the main card starting at 8:00 PM ET.
What is Natalia Silva’s fighting background?
Silva comes from a taekwondo background and has translated those skills effectively into MMA. She holds a black belt in taekwondo and has shown exceptional speed and kicking technique throughout her UFC career.
Has Namajunas fought at flyweight before?
Yes, this will be Namajunas’ sixth fight at flyweight. She holds a 3-2 record in the division with wins over Miranda Maverick, Tracy Cortez, and Amanda Ribas, and losses to Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot.