
Back in the winner’s circle! Monster Energy congratulates Rose Namajunas on a hard-earned victory against Jéssica Andrade at UFC 251 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. In the main card fight at Flash Forum Arena, the 28-year-old mixed martial arts icon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, edged ahead in the rematch against Andrade and earned the UFC’s ‘Fight of the Night’ Bonus with a $50,000 payout for her performance.
UFC 251 marks the first successful MMA fighting event contested on Fight Island, a private facility located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The pay-per-view event was closed to the public amid extensive safety measures against coronavirus (Covid-19). All athletes and staff prepared for the event in full lockdown at W Hotel surrounded by a 25-kilometer safety zone, with continuous testing to ensure a Covid-19-free “bubble” before fight night.
Anticipation for the rematch between Namajunas and Andrade was high. The two 115-pound fighters had clashed at UFC 237 in 2019, when Andrade dealt Namajunas a devastating defeat and took her UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Would Namajunas be able to turn the tables on Fight Island?
Nicknamed “Thug” and known for her fast-paced fighting style, Namajunas came to Yas Island fully focused. The fierce fighter with Lithuanian roots had spent the past weeks analyzing her previous loss to Andrade and building her strategy. And it showed!