Should the UFC book an immediate rematch between Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jedrzeczyk? Why or why not?
COLE HENRY, MMATorch Contributor
I don’t think so. JJ was a dominant champ, but the fact is that she got roughed up Saturday night and the fight wasn’t even close. She lost the fight standing, and almost seemed outclassed by Rose. Jessica Andrade had a dominant performance over perennial top contender Claudia Gadelha and I think that she deserves the next shot. JJ was a great champion, but I don’t think she should cut the rest of the line in this situation.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Columnist
I think Jedrzejczyk absolutely deserves an immediate rematch. I’m a huge fan of hers though, so I’m biased. If the decision is made to not go that way because of the emphatic way Namajunas won, I would be okay with that so long as it’s Jessica Andrade getting the title shot instead. I would still favor Jedrzejczyk, but I could get behind Andrade getting the shot and Jedrzejczyk getting the next title shot if she wins a fight against someone.
JOSHUA GARCIA, MMATorch Contributor
I believe the UFC should book an immediate rematch between Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jedrzeczyk. Joanna was champion for a long time and this division is thin on top contenders. They could really build up the comeback story of Joanna and see if she changes some of her prefight tactics. She was heavily criticized for her buildup for this fight with Rose and it would be nice to see if she changes or tries to antagonize Rose.
JOHN HARRIS, MMATorch Contributor
Yes I think Joanna Jedrzeczyk should get an immediate rematch. She lost in quick and decisive fashion but she had been a dominant champion. Jedrzeczyk was one win away from having the most title defenses for all female competitors in UFC history. Also there is not a clear number one contender waiting for Namajunas or a clear marketable star.
SEAN COVINGTON, MMATorch Contributor
Absolutely, it was a complete joke that Aldo never got an immediate rematch; the UFC shouldn’t want a reenactment of that fiasco.
DAVE KOULA MMATorch Contributor
Big YES here. First, I’m of the mind that in the absence of a very clear number one contender that’s been waiting in the wings, an immediate rematch is always welcome – provided it wasn’t an absolute definitive beating that proved without exception who the better fighter is. Rose won, no question, but I still believe Joanna wins 2/3 times based on merit alone. Second, there’s a really strong narrative here that would sell big time. Champion is so cocky she underestimates her opponent, but is completely humbled in defeat and comes back a changed person with the strategy to match.
RICK MONSEY, MMATorch Contributor
Rose scored a huge upset when she knocked out Joanna in their first bout. The question now is was that a fluke win or can Rose do it again? Let’s run this fight a second time and find out! Probably my favorite fight of the night at UFC 217. I know it was good because I was screaming at my television in disbelief. But this time it deserves to be the actual main event. Put these ladies on last UFC, they deserve it. Even though their first fight was a very one sided affair I’m still looking forward to seeing what Joanna would do differently.
The rematch weigh-ins should be interesting too. Will Joanna get up in Roses face again? Will Joanna be a little humble and give Rose the respect she deserves? Knowing now that Rose can’t be intimidated. Rose came off as a total bad ass during the whole weekend.
RAFFAEL IGLESIAS, MMATorch Contributor
I would love to see a rematch between these two ladies. The main reason a lot of people want to see this rematch is because they believe Rose the underdog, came up with an upset victory. I don’t think a rematch would give different results. Sure I would love to see a rematch but I don’t know if an immediate rematch is a necessity but rather a welcome consequence of a decisive victory.
NOW CHECK OUT THIS ROUNDTABLE: Are you in favor for or against instant replay in MMA and why?
Leave a Reply