Rose Namajunas, the former strawweight queen, is unlikely to move back to strawweight due to the tough weight cut she has experienced in the past. Namajunas made her flyweight debut in September 2023 but suffered a unanimous decision loss against top contender Manon Fiorot. However, she is set to make her sophomore flyweight appearance this Saturday against Amanda Ribas in the main event at UFC on ESPN 53.

Speaking at UFC Media Day, Namajunas expressed feeling healthier and more confident at flyweight. She mentioned that not having to endure the turmoil of a strawweight cut has contributed to her improved physical condition. She also emphasized feeling more confident in absorbing head strikes and throwing harder punches with the additional weight.

Despite her success in the flyweight division, Namajunas clarified that she does not plan on holding two belts simultaneously and indicated that moving back down to strawweight is not a viable option for her due to health concerns. She stressed that while her mind may have grown stronger with the weight cut, her body did not respond well, and she prioritizes health and wellness over pushing through the challenging weight cut.

As Namajunas prepares for her upcoming flyweight bout, her decision to prioritize her health and well-being has sparked discussions about the physical demands and risks associated with weight cuts in combat sports.