Rose Namajunas to Defend Strawweight Crown vs. Jessica Andrade at UFC 237 in Brazil

Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will return from more than a year-long absence to defend her belt against Jessica Andrade at UFC 237.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the championship bout to ESPN on Monday. UFC 237 takes place on May 11 in Brazil, although a location and venue have yet to be announced.

Namajunas claimed 115-pound gold with a first-round TKO of Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 217 in November 2017 and then took a five-round verdict over her Polish rival in a rematch at UFC 223. “Thug” Rose is 6-2 in UFC competition overall and also owns notable wins over Michelle Waterson, Tecia Torres, Paige VanZant and Angela Hill.

After beginning her career as a bantamweight, Andrade has been impressive at 115 pounds, racking up a 6-1 record — with her only defeat coming at the hands of Jedrzejczyk in a title tilt at UFC 211. The 27-year-old Brazilian is coming off a one-punch knockout win over Karollina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 228 this past September.