Namajunas: It’s inevitable that I’m coming for Jedrzejczyk

Rose Namajunas appeared recently on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, following her dominant win over Michelle Waterson at UFC on FOX 24. Strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk had spoken with Helwani before the fight, and predicted the outcome.

The thing is, like, I met her in Denver, said Jedrzejczyk, as transcribed by Guilherme Cruz for MMA Fighting. We shake hands, we spoke to each other. And two days after, I heard that she was like, ‘Oh, I want to beat Joanna.’ Shut up. You had your chance to beat Karolina and Carla Esparza before, and some others, but you just lost. Come on. Work hard, get your ass to the gym, put on better fights, and you’re going to get this title shot.

But be honest. If you don’t like me, don’t shake my hand and don’t talk to me. Don’t talk behind my back. I’m kind of a straight person and this is what makes me mad. I’m good with that, but I think Michelle Waterson will [defeat] Rose.

Namajunas recalled the meeting as awkward, noting the champion went for a hug, while Thug Rose was expecting a handshake.

“There’s just the way I am, said Namajunas. “I respect my competition. I think I don’t have to hate somebody in order to fight them, so, yeah, why wouldn’t I wanna fight her? She’s the champ. I wanna fight the best.

“I’m obviously coming for that belt, so I think she knows it’s inevitable that I’m coming for her. Or whether or not she wins, I’m coming for the belt. I’m a threat.”

It is widely believed that Namajunas will get a shot at the winner of Jedrzejczyk vs. Jessica Andrade at UFC 211 on May 13. Rose says she is happy fighting whoever wins.

“It doesn’t matter to me, said Namajunas. “Her style is very exciting to match-up for me, that will be a great challenge. But if she doesn’t win, then she’s not the best after that point. It’s not attached to that person. It’s nothing personal. I just want to fight the best.”