Amanda Nunes is the consensus women’s GOAT in mixed martial arts after a dominant run in the UFC.
Nunes remains the first and only two-division champion in women’s UFC history, having ruled over both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
That was the case up until May 2023, when Nunes retired at UFC 289 after defending the 135-pound title against Irene Aldana.
As many had predicted, it doesn’t look like that result will be the final chapter in the Brazilian’s career. Nunes is expected to return against Kayla Harrison down the line, after the Olympic champion’s title win at UFC 316 was followed by a faceoff that set up the clash of former teammates.
Ahead of her comeback, Nunes was warned by UFC commentator Jon Anik about two names who are fast in pursuit of her GOAT status.
In the eyes of Rose Namajunas, though, one of those women is already there.
Rose Namajunas picks Valentina Shevchenko as the ‘greatest’ over Amanda Nunes
Among the female names written into the UFC’s history books is Namajunas, who became the first woman to ever win back a title in the promotion.
‘Thug Rose’ accomplished that feat by knocking out Zhang Weili with a shocking head kick. The Chinese star has since won back the belt herself and is fast building a legendary legacy in the UFC.
For Namajunas, though, it’s a different name whom she holds in similar regard to Nunes.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the former two-time strawweight queen described Valentina Shevchenko as the “greatest.”
“Valentina looked phenomenal (at UFC 315),” Namajunas said. “She showed why she’s the greatest.”
Namajunas acknowledged Nunes’ accomplishments but pointed to ‘Bullet’ as her personal pick.
“Obviously we know Amanda Nunes has that title, but just my personal opinion, she’s my favorite,” Namajunas added. “I’m excited to see what’s next for her.”
Rose Namajunas wants to be the one who dethrones Valentina Shevchenko
Namajunas still holds hope of one day sharing the Octagon with her GOAT pick.
‘Thug Rose’ has had a mixed run since moving up to flyweight, winning two of her first four fights in the division.
After a debut setback at the hands of recent title challenger Manon Fiorot, Namajunas put her name into contention at 125 pounds with consecutive victories over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez.
In her opportunity to perhaps secure a first title shot in the weight class, however, the 32-year-old fell short against Erin Blanchfield in November 2024.
To immediately bounce back, Namajunas is now tasked with defending her No. 7 flyweight ranking against a frequent training partner of hers in Miranda Maverick.
The pair are set to co-headline Saturday’s UFC Fight Night event in Atlanta, setting the stage for Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley’s key welterweight main event at State Farm Arena.