Namajunas’ manager, Brian Butler-Au of SuckerPunch Entertainment, confirmed on social media that the ex-strawweight queen suffered a broken right hand in the first round of her loss to Manon Fiorot at UFC Fight Night 226 on Saturday in Paris.
“Rose is in good spirits,” Butler-Au wrote. “Broke her right hand early in the first round and couldn’t fully execute because of it.”
Despite the injury, “Thug” Rose was still competitive against Fiorot in her first 125-pound foray. She outlanded her opponent 60 to 58 in significant strikes and won the third round on two of the three cageside judges’ scorecards. Butler-Au later posted a photo that showed Namajunas’ mangled right pinkie finger once she removed her gloves.
The very first clash in the first round this happened to @rosenamajunas 🤦🏻♂️ The mental battle to keep going began right then and varied into the second round… but the 3rd round Rose was ready for 2 more… such is the fight game… pic.twitter.com/GXmTmxMEPH
— Brian Butler-Au (@BrianButler_Au) September 3, 2023
Namajunas moved to flyweight after a 13-bout stint at 115 pounds that saw her twice reign as the division’s champion. She has now lost back-to-back outings for the second time in her professional career.