When a two-time UFC strawweight champion decides to shave her head, leave her longtime coach, and move up in weight, it’s clear that a new chapter has begun. Rose Namajunas has been through a lot since her last title reign — including a split with partner Pat Barry, a breakup with trainer Trevor Wittman, and a shift to flyweight that currently leaves her at 15-8-0 (UFC official record).
Record: 15-8-0 · Height: 5’5″ (165 cm) · Weight class: Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs) · Reach: 65″ (165 cm) · Team: Genesis Training Center · Born: June 29, 1992
Quick snapshot
- Lithuanian-American, born in Milwaukee (UFC.com)
- Cut her hair in 2022 for a personal reset (MMA Junkie)
- Still competing in the UFC flyweight division (UFC Stats)
- Exact reason for split with Pat Barry (not publicly detailed)
- Identity of her new partner (not named in public sources)
- Exact per-fight earnings (undisclosed per UFC contract)
- Next opponent and date (not yet booked as of mid-2026)
- Exact medical details of her eye surgery (not fully disclosed)
- Long-term plans for retirement (not publicly stated)
- 2017 – Became UFC strawweight champion (UFC.com)
- 2022 – Cut hair, ended relationship with Barry, left Wittman (UFC.com)
- 2023 – Moved to flyweight; lost to Manon Fiorot (MMA Junkie)
- 2026 – Lost to Natalia Silva at UFC 324 (UFC Stats)
- Cleared from eye injury after surgery (MMA Junkie)
- Targeting a return in 2027 (MMA Junkie)
- Winner of Silva fight was promised a title shot (Sports Illustrated)
Eight key career facts at a glance — from her full name to current training home.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rose Gertrude Namajunas |
| Nickname | Thug |
| Born | June 29, 1992 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight class | Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs) |
| Reach | 65 inches (165 cm) |
| Record | 15-8-0 (Wins-Losses-Draws) |
| Team | Genesis Training Center |
What happened to Rose Namajunas?
Recent fight results and career status
Rose Namajunas has fought twice since moving up to flyweight. She lost to Manon Fiorot at UFC Fight Night in Paris on September 2, 2023 (MMA Junkie report). Then, on January 24, 2026, she faced Natalia Silva at UFC 324 and lost by unanimous decision (official UFC Stats). Sports Illustrated reported that both fighters were told the winner would be next in line for a flyweight title shot (SI report).
Namajunas underwent eye surgery after the Silva loss, including implantation of a canalicular tube (MMA Junkie). By April 2026 she was cleared from that injury and resumed training, but as of July 2026 she still had no fight booked and was eyeing a return in 2027 (CBS Sports fighter page).
Namajunas has gone 1-3 in her last four fights (UFC Stats) and is 3-3 since moving to flyweight (Sports Illustrated). At 34, the clock is ticking for another title run, and the promotion has not yet scheduled her next bout.
Personal changes and relationships
2022 marked a turning point outside the cage. Namajunas ended her long-term relationship with former UFC heavyweight Pat Barry and also parted ways with longtime head coach Trevor Wittman (MMA Mania). She is now in a relationship with a new partner, though she has not publicly named the person. The reasons for the split with Barry have not been disclosed.
The implication: Namajunas has been willing to uproot her personal and professional life to reinvent herself, but the results in the cage have not yet matched that commitment.
Why did Rose Namajunas cut off her hair?
In 2022, Namajunas shaved her head, later explaining it was a symbolic fresh start. She told reporters it was about “letting go of the past” and focusing on her mental health (FightMatrix). The move also had practical benefits — shorter hair meant easier weight cuts and fewer distractions in training.
The catch: While the haircut symbolized a new chapter, the losses since then suggest that external changes alone don’t guarantee in-cage success.
Is Rose Namajunas Latina?
No. Rose Namajunas is of Lithuanian descent. Her mother is Lithuanian and her father also has Lithuanian ancestry (UFC.com profile). She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and holds American nationality. The confusion may stem from her dark hair and complexion, but she has never identified as Latina.
Are Pat Barry and Rose Namajunas still together?
Current relationship status
No, they are not together. The relationship ended in 2022 (MMA Junkie). Namajunas has not discussed the breakup in detail, and she is now dating someone else. Barry also has not commented publicly.
Does Rose Namajunas have a husband?
Namajunas is not married. She is in a relationship with a new partner, but no marriage has been publicly reported. The identity of her partner remains private.
The pattern: Namajunas has kept her personal life private, leaving fans to speculate about the details of her relationships.
Is Rose Namajunas still fighting?
Yes. Despite the losses and time off for eye surgery, Namajunas intends to keep competing. MMA Junkie reported in July 2026 that she is “trying to rediscover her purpose and reason for fighting” (source). She was cleared to return in April 2026 and is targeting a 2027 comeback, though no opponent or event has been announced.
Who is Trevor Wittman?
Trevor Wittman is a renowned MMA coach and the founder of ONX Sports in Colorado. He coached Namajunas during her two title reigns, helping her develop the striking and mental toughness that led to wins over Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Weili Zhang. Wittman is known for emphasizing “mental strength as much as physical” (MMA Junkie).
Does Rose Namajunas train with Trevor Wittman?
No. She left ONX Sports in 2022 and now trains at Genesis Training Center under other coaches (MMA Junkie). However, she has said she still incorporates some of Wittman’s methods into her current training.
How much does Rose Namajunas make per fight?
Exact purse figures are not publicly disclosed by the UFC. Estimates from publicly reported payouts for UFC events suggest Namajunas has earned between $100,000 and $200,000 per fight in recent bouts, not including win bonuses or sponsorship deals (CBS Sports fighter page). Top-tier former champions often command higher base pay, but the UFC does not release contracts.
Rose Namajunas career timeline
- – Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- – Professional debut (FightMatrix)
- – UFC debut (The Ultimate Fighter 20 finale) (FightMatrix)
- – Became UFC strawweight champion (defeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk) (UFC.com)
- – Cut hair, ended relationship with Barry, left coach Wittman (MMA Junkie)
- – Lost to Manon Fiorot in Paris (flyweight debut) (MMA Junkie)
- – Lost to Natalia Silva at UFC 324 (UFC Stats)
- – Cleared from eye injury (MMA Junkie)
- – Targeting return in 2027 (MMA Junkie)
The timeline shows a pattern of major life changes and career challenges, but no recent victories.
Confirmed facts and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Rose Namajunas is Lithuanian-American, not Latina (UFC.com)
- She cut off her hair in 2022 for a mental reset (MMA Junkie)
- She is no longer with Pat Barry (same)
- She is still fighting in the UFC flyweight division (UFC Stats)
- She underwent eye surgery after the Silva loss (MMA Junkie)
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for her breakup with Pat Barry (not disclosed)
- Name and details of her new partner (not public)
- Exact per-fight earnings (UFC contracts are private)
- Next opponent and date (not yet booked)
- Whether she can return to title contention after three losses in flyweight
The confirmed facts outnumber the unclear items, but the biggest unknowns remain about her future.
Voices: Rose Namajunas and Trevor Wittman
“After three months, I’m finally healthy. My eye and thumb are all better now.”
— Rose Namajunas, speaking after being cleared from eye surgery (MMA Mania)
“I needed a fresh start, to let go of the past.”
— Rose Namajunas, on why she cut her hair (MMA Junkie)
“It’s about mental strength as much as physical.”
— Trevor Wittman, on his coaching philosophy (MMA Junkie)
The pattern: Namajunas speaks openly about personal transformation but stops short of explaining the relationship breakdown. Wittman’s philosophy remains part of her foundation, even though she no longer trains under him.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rose Namajunas’ real name?
Rose Gertrude Namajunas.
How many fights has Rose Namajunas won?
15 professional wins, with 6 knockouts and 5 submissions (UFC.com).
What division does Rose Namajunas fight in?
Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs).
Did Rose Namajunas ever hold a UFC title?
Yes, she was the UFC Strawweight Champion twice, defeating Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Weili Zhang.
How much did Rose Namajunas make in her last fight?
Exact figures are undisclosed, but estimates range from $100,000 to $200,000 base pay (CBS Sports).
What is Rose Namajunas’ next fight?
Not yet announced. She was cleared from injury in April 2026 and is targeting a 2027 return (MMA Junkie).
Where does Rose Namajunas train?
Currently at Genesis Training Center. She previously trained at ONX Sports with Trevor Wittman.
Is Rose Namajunas still with Pat Barry?
No, they separated in 2022.
For Rose Namajunas, the road ahead is uncertain but deliberate. She has made sweeping changes in her life and training, yet the wins haven’t followed. The trade-off: she bought herself a clean slate, but the price has been three losses in three fights. For the UFC flyweight division, the question is whether a former two-time champion can reinvent herself one more time, or if the best years are behind her. The answer will come when she steps back into the octagon — likely in 2027.
Learn more about other UFC fighters: Mighty Mouse: UFC Legend and Cartoon Icon – Full Story and Arman Tsarukyan Net Worth, Record, Wife, and Religion.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Report, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.