ROUNDTABLE: Staff predictions for Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade

By Michael Hiscoe, Managing Editor

Rose Namajunas (photo credit Gary A. Vasquez © USA Today Sports)

Who wins the UFC 237 main event between Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade?

Patrick Shaheen, Host – MMA Scope Podcast

Jessica Andrade. I’ve been thinking Rose Namajunas since the fight was announced, but I don’t know where Rose’s head is at. I know what Jessica Andrade has had on her mind for the last year, and that happens to rest in Namajunas trophy case. Rose will have to keep the fight on the feet and control distance. Whereas Andrade has to make it ugly, which she does in every one of her fights.

Sean Covington, Columnist – Covington’s Corner

I’m not gonna count Rose Namajunas out, not after beating JJ. Everyone is picking Jessica Andrade but I’m going to go against the MMA community and pick “Thug Rose” to retain. I think Thug Rose feeds off of being the underdog and being overlooked. It would be a cool moment for Jessica Andrade but my gut tells me “Thug Rose” is keeping the title.

Frank Hyden, Columnist – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I’m going with Namajunas by decision. Andrade is obviously very good but I’ll go with Namajunas in an ultra-close fight. I think her grit and determination will give her a slight edge and it all comes down to that fifth round, where Rose is able to summon up the strength to push forward and get the nod from the judges.


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Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch Managing Editor

Jessica Andrade has looked excellent since making the move down to strawweight a few years back. She came up short against Joanna Jedrzejczyk two years ago but has continued to beat every other contender since. Similarly, Rose Namajunas has been on a tear since losing the TUF finals to Carla Esparza back in 2014. Her only loss since then was a split-decision to Karolina Kowalkiewicz. What we know about Namajunas is that she is able to mix things up and adapt to her opponent. She’s a threat standing, and I think she can finish the fight if it goes to the ground. I don’t buy into any speculation about Namajunas’ headspace. She went through two fight weeks with Joanna and won both times so she’s solid as a rock as far as I’m concerned. I’m going to go out on a limb and call for a Namajunas second-round submission win.

 

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