PHOENIX – Seven-and-a-half years later, Carla Esparza thinks her style will cause problems for Rose Namajunas.
Esparza (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) is set to challenge strawweight champion Namajunas (11-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in the UFC 274 co-main event, a rematch of a fight from December 2014. “The Cookie Monster” won that bout by third-round submission in what was the inaugural divisional title fight.
In the years since then, though, Namajunas has flourished into a champion with two title reigns. Esparza, meanwhile, has remained a top-five contender after losing the belt but has never been able to get her second crack at gold.
