6 days ago
Miranda Maverick: History with Rose Namajunas makes for 'tough fight mentally' in Atlanta
Miranda Maverick: History with Rose Namajunas makes for 'tough fight mentally' in Atlanta
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UFC Atlanta: Miranda Maverick previews fight with Rose Namajunas
Miranda Maverick opens up about the challenges of facing former training partner Rose Namajunas at UFC on ESPN 69 on June 14.
Miranda Maverick is happy to put her friendship with Rose Namajunas aside for one night at UFC on ESPN 69, and she is fully confident that the feeling is mutual.
Maverick (15-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) is set to face longtime training partner and former UFC titleholder Namajunas (13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) in the women's flyweight co-main event of the June 14 card at State Farm Arena in Atlanta (ESPN, ESPN+).
Although past instances of this situation have led to awkwardness in the pre-fight build or poor contests inside the cage, Maverick thinks is a different circumstance. She said this possibility has been discussed personally between and with their immediate coaches for some time, and believe UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard catching wind of that is what led to the booking.
"I think both of us are professional enough – it's not like we have to go in there and sh*t talk and hate each other to really win," Maverick told MMA Junkie Radio. "It's just a matter of going in (and) showing our skills. We've always said we would fight each other. When we spar, we said it would be a heck of a charity event to just put on live sparring where people could come in and watch the fighters get rounds. (I'm) really excited to show the fans what we've both been working on."
With both women training out the Denver area, Blanchfield said a respectful pact was put forth to maintain the integrity of the bout. She has split her training camp at Easton Training Center and Pound for Pound Muay Thai, while Namajunas has worked out of Genesis Training Academy and a private facility for her preparation.
According to Maverick, coaches from both sides agreed to keep on their side of the line, which she said is for the betterment of everyone. Still, though, there are many vivid memories of past time training together, and Maverick said that is part of the challenge around this particular fight.
"I think this may be the toughest, not necessarily because she's the toughest fighter, but because we know each other so much better," Maverick said. "We've sparred and trained so much together that we know each other's weaknesses and strengths. We know how each other fight. Each of our camps know exactly what the other's game plan is likely going to be, but it's one of those that's going to be a tough fight mentally on us, and we're going to have to use our fight IQ more than anymore."
For Maverick, the opportunity to face a former UFC champion with the notoriety of Namajunas is a potentially career-altering moment. It will put her into the upper echelon of the 125-pound weight class, so her focus can be on nothing else other than getting the job done.
