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Rose Namajunas Pauses UFC Comeback to Seek Clear Purpose

Cleared to train after January eye surgery, she says she will return only if she finds a meaningful reason to compete.

Overview

  • Namajunas lost to Natalia Silva at UFC 324 in January 2026 and required immediate eye surgery after accidental eye pokes during the fight.
  • Her recovery included a temporary silicone tube in the eye and a roughly three-month no-contact period, and she later tore the UCL in her thumb while rehabbing.
  • She was medically cleared to resume training in April 2026 but has not scheduled a next fight or received a confirmed bout offer.
  • Namajunas says she still wants to fight but is waiting to rediscover a clear purpose before returning, weighing a continued run at flyweight against a possible move back to strawweight.
  • Because her recent losses to Manon Fiorot, Erin Blanchfield and Silva removed near-term title paths, she would likely need multiple wins to re-enter title contention, and she is also considering family and long-term goals in her decision.