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#4. Rose Namajunas vs Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern taking on former champion, Namajunas, seems as if it's an inevitable matchup. It could be an incredibly interesting bout as well. Dern is currently the most elite jiu-jitsu practitioner of all of the UFC's female fighters, whereas the former champion might be the most well rounded.
Despite how complete a fighter Namajunas is, she'd be taking on possibly her greatest threat should she fight Dern. This hypothetical bout is one where both participants would need to rise to the occasion in order to leave with their hand raised.
Two of the division's most prolific finishers going at it always makes for an exciting scrap, but this one in particular has the impetus for a title shot afterwards. Dern deserves one of the top strawweights following her victory over Tecia Torres. Namajunas is one of the few available big names atop the division.
#3. Rose Namajunas vs Marina Rodriguez
Marina Rodriguez may be the most overlooked strawweight at the moment. She's already gone five rounds and is on a four-fight winning streak. Having the experience of going 25 minutes in the UFC is great to have under her belt as she climbs the ranks.
The 35-year-old's only loss in the UFC was in 2020, where she was on the wrong end of a split decision against the current champion, Carla Esparza. Though MMA is a volatile sport, it's fair to say that Rodriguez is only a win or two away from her chance to avenge that loss.
There isn't a lot of clamor for Namajunas and Esparza to run it back for a third time. Rodriguez would be a great fight for 'Thug' Rose as she tries to rebound from losing her title.
Despite the UFC 274 performance, Namajunas is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. Rodriguez is quite an exciting competitor herself, making this a great fight to make in the 115lb division.
