Rose Namajunas, known to fans worldwide as “Thug Rose,” is one of MMA’s most inspiring and accomplished athletes. With a career marked by resilience, technical brilliance, and a unique personal story, she remains a defining figure in women’s mixed martial arts. Here’s a complete breakdown of her life, career, earnings, and more.
Rose Namajunas’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Rose Gertrude Namajunas |
| Nickname | Thug Rose |
| Born | June 29, 1992, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Age | 32 Year |
| College | Milwaukee High School of the Arts |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–3 million |
| Salary (Base per fight) | $100,000–$500,000 |
| Spouse | Pat Barry |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Children | None |
| Instagram Profile | @rosenamajunas |
Early Career
Rose Namajunas began martial arts at age five, earning black belts in taekwondo and karate before adding Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager. Growing up in a tough Milwaukee neighborhood, she found focus and discipline in fighting. She made her pro MMA debut in 2013, quickly gaining attention for her dynamic grappling and striking. Her early rise included a notable run on The Ultimate Fighter, setting the stage for her UFC career.
Professional Career
Namajunas signed with the UFC in 2014 and soon became a force in the strawweight division. Her breakthrough came at UFC 217 in 2017, where she stunned the world by knocking out Joanna Jędrzejczyk to become champion. After defending her title in a rematch, she lost the belt to Jessica Andrade in 2019 but rebounded by defeating Andrade in a rematch.
In 2021, she regained the title with a dramatic head-kick KO of Zhang Weili and defended it in a close rematch. Transitioning to flyweight in 2023, Rose has faced elite competition, including bouts against Manon Fiorot, Amanda Ribas, Tracy Cortez, and Erin Blanchfield. Her record now stands at 13 wins and 7 losses, and she remains a top contender, aiming for a second divisional title.
Rose Namajunas’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Rose Namajunas’ net worth is estimated between $2 and $3 million, combining fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements.
Fight Purses
| Event/Fight | Year | Disclosed Purse |
| UFC on ESPN 69 vs. Miranda Maverick | 2025 | $500,000 |
| UFC 274 vs. Carla Esparza | 2022 | $500,000 + $30K bonus |
| UFC 268 vs. Zhang Weili | 2021 | $110,000 base + $110,000 win + $42,000 bonuses (Total: $262,000) |
| UFC 261 vs. Zhang Weili | 2021 | $150,000 base + $100,000 win + $10,000 sponsorship + $50,000 bonus (Total: $310,000) |
| UFC 223 vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk | 2018 | $40,000 outfit pay (champion) |
| UFC 217 vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk | 2017 | Not publicly disclosed |
Endorsements
- Reebok
- ONX Sports
- RVCA Sports
- Monster Energy
Career Records
| Opponent | Date | Result | Method | Event/Location |
| Erin Blanchfield | Nov 2, 2024 | Loss | Unanimous Decision | UFC Fight Night, Edmonton |
| Tracy Cortez | Jul 13, 2024 | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC Fight Night, Denver |
| Amanda Ribas | Mar 23, 2024 | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC Fight Night, Las Vegas |
| Manon Fiorot | Sep 2, 2023 | Loss | Unanimous Decision | UFC Fight Night, Paris |
| Carla Esparza | May 7, 2022 | Loss | Split Decision | UFC 274, Phoenix |
| Zhang Weili | Nov 6, 2021 | Win | Split Decision | UFC 268, New York |
| Zhang Weili | Apr 24, 2021 | Win | KO (Head Kick) | UFC 261, Jacksonville |
| Jessica Andrade | Jul 11, 2020 | Win | Split Decision | UFC 251, Abu Dhabi |
| Jessica Andrade | May 11, 2019 | Loss | KO (Slam) | UFC 237, Rio de Janeiro |
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Apr 7, 2018 | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC 223, Brooklyn |
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Nov 4, 2017 | Win | KO/TKO | UFC 217, New York |
| Michelle Waterson | Apr 15, 2017 | Win | Submission | UFC on FOX, Kansas City |
| Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Jul 30, 2016 | Loss | Split Decision | UFC 201, Atlanta |
| Tecia Torres | Apr 16, 2016 | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC on FOX, Tampa |
| Paige VanZant | Dec 10, 2015 | Win | Submission | UFC Fight Night, Las Vegas |
| Angela Hill | Oct 3, 2015 | Win | Submission | UFC 192, Houston |
| Carla Esparza | Dec 12, 2014 | Loss | Submission | TUF 20 Finale, Las Vegas |
FAQs
1. Who is Rose Namajunas?
Rose Namajunas is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division and is a former two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion.
2. What is Rose Namajunas’s fighting background?
Namajunas began training taekwondo at age 5, later earning black belts in both taekwondo and karate, and holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
3. What are Rose Namajunas’s most notable achievements in the UFC?
She is a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and the first female fighter to regain a UFC title after losing it, with major victories over Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Zhang Weili.
4. Why is Rose Namajunas nicknamed “Thug Rose”?
She was given the nickname “Thug Rose” as a child for being the only white girl in her tough Milwaukee neighborhood, known for her fearless attitude.
5. What is Rose Namajunas’s current weight class and goal?
Namajunas now fights in the flyweight division (125 lbs) and aims to become a UFC champion in two weight classes.
6. What is Rose Namajunas’s professional MMA record?
As of June 2025, her professional MMA record stands at 13 wins and 7 losses.
7. What is Rose Namajunas’s heritage?
She is of Lithuanian descent, named after her great-grandmother, and maintains strong ties to her Lithuanian roots.
8. Who are Rose Namajunas’s main coaches and training partners?
Her main coaches have included Pat Barry, Trevor Wittman, and Greg Nelson, and she has trained at gyms like 303 Training Center and Roufusport.
9. Has Rose Namajunas competed in grappling events?
Yes, she has competed in professional grappling, including winning a bronze medal at the ADCC Denver Open in the absolute division.
10. What are some personal challenges Rose Namajunas has overcome?
She grew up in a difficult environment, experienced family struggles including her father’s schizophrenia and early death, and has spoken about overcoming childhood abuse and bullying.