The UFC’s Fight Island sojourn looms ever closer with international fighters set to make their return to the Octagon. Now, the excitement amongst MMA fans will reach a fever pitch as 2 massive bouts are reportedly in the works for the month of July. One of them is a hotly anticipated rematch featuring Rose Namajunas.
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Rose Namajunas set to compete on Fight Island
As per Brett Okamoto, the fight is “a go” for July 11. The mouthwatering Strawweight fight features top-ranked Jessica Andrade taking on 2nd ranked ‘Thug Rose.’
Rose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) vs. Jessica Andrade (@jessicammapro) has been agreed to for July 11. Dana White mentioned last week that was the plan, but said he needed to make sure Rose wanted to fight. I've confirmed now the 115-pound rematch is a go.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 3, 2020
Earlier the mega clash was to take place at UFC 249 in Brooklyn. However, despite the event moving multiple times the fight didn’t go ahead. This is because ‘Thug Rose’ pulled out due to personal reasons as two family members passed away due to the coronavirus.
‘Bate Estaca’ opted to stay off the card and wait for ‘Thug Rose’ to return. Fans could see the rematch provide ‘Thug Rose’ a chance to avenge her defeat at UFC 237. She dominated the fight but lost after the challenger’ displayed brute strength to slam her opponent to the mat and claim the title.
The winner of this fight will lay claim to the next shot at division Champion Zhang Weili.
‘Magnum’ who beat ‘Bate Estaca’ for the title has called ‘Thug Rose’ out as her next opponent. However, the former champion will be itching to get her own against the Chinese fighter.
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Furthermore, as per ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, a massive Middleweight fight too has seen a verbal agreement. He tweeted, “Per sources Jack Hermansson vs. Kelvin Gastelum have agreed to meet on July 18 on Fight Island.”
Per sources, Jack Hermansson (@jackthejokermma) and Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) have agreed to meet on July 18 on Fight Island. pic.twitter.com/AHzoRVsglu
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 4, 2020
Gastelum who is ranked 7th in the Middleweight division will have pressure on him. This is because he comes into the fight on back-to-back losses for the first time in his 21-fight MMA career.
Meanwhile, ‘The Joker’ too is heading into the clash on the back of a loss. He knows a win here could propel him up the rankings and move him closer to a Middleweight title shot.
What is your take on these two massive bouts reportedly in the works for Fight Island?
