[New post] Carla Esparza believes she has the skillset to defeat Rose Namajunas
UFC Deluxe posted: " Credit: MMA Junkie Heading into the rematch, Carla Esparza will back her chances against Rose Namajunas. In their first clash back in 2014, Esparza won via third-round submission to win the inaugural women's strawweight title. However, it's fai"
Heading into the rematch, Carla Esparza will back her chances against Rose Namajunas.
In their first clash back in 2014, Esparza won via third-round submission to win the inaugural women's strawweight title.
However, it's fair to say that both fighters have improved immensely since their first encounter.
Despite her recent success, Carla has not been able to get another crack at the title since losing to Joanna Jędrzejczyk back in 2015.
The 'Cookie Monster' is aiming to shock the world by defeating the current strawweight champion.
Speaking at the UFC 274 media day, Carla said: "This title will mean everything to me. Just an accumulation of all these years and all the hard work. It would really make a statement. Not just a fighter but as a person. It would show that you can lose and stumble along the way, but you can get your way back if you put the work in and evolve in this sport."
Esparza was able to use her grappling to win the first fight. Despite Rose improving, Carla feels that it's not enough to beat her.
"I think stylistically we're still similar to what we were back in the day, but I think we've both evolved a lot," Esparza said. "When we fought, she was greener to the sport, and now she's been in so many high-level fights and so many title fights that she has a lot more composure now and is a lot more comfortable on that big stage. It's definitely going to play a big factor. She was dangerous back then, and she's dangerous now."
It's been a long time coming for Carla. She will be itching to put on a great display and become the new champion.
"I think anybody with almost eight years down the line since I won the title, I think anyone is going to change a lot, and I don't think you could be in the sport for that long without having a lot of evolution in your game," Esparza said. "As a person, just so many life changes in your 20s and your 30s. I definitely feel different, but it's almost a good feeling. I feel more mature and comfortable in this place."
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