Rose Namajunas Knocks Off UFC Sensation Paige VanZant

In Thursday evening's Fight Night main event at the Cosmopolitan, Namajunas put an end to the Paige VanZant hype train with a dominating performance that might just earn her a title shot against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Eventually, she countered an attempt from VanZant to throw her to the mat, and instead wound up on top. "I came out healthy from my fight ... and I was ready to fight the next weekend if I could, so that's what I let them know and I'm blessed to get the call so soon".

Facing the media after losing to Rose Namajunas, VanZant admitted that she still has a long way to go in terms of skill level to be an elite fighter in the UFC.

According to immediate cageside statistics by Fightmetric, Namajunas out-landed VanZant in total strikes 104 to 53. The crowd gave VanZant an ovation on three occasions after she swept her way out of deep submission attempts. Namajunas was credited with eight total takedowns, while VanZant scored none.

By the time the final frame began, Namajunas' cumulative damage was too much for VanZant to overcome, and at 2:25 of Round 5, Namajunas submitted VanZant via rear-naked choke. I have actually been tested not only for the UFC; I have been tested three times by USADA, and one time by the boxing commission for the UCF and that's been the past few months since my UFC debut.

In the third, it appeared VanZant would finally gain some momentum.

VanZant was already eager to bounce back from the loss. It was the first submission win of his UFC career and another victory to keep his star rising. Fighter Tim Means described it best by saying the event was "the fuse to the dynamite".

The 34-year-old Kagan last fought December 12, 2014, when she lost a unanimous decision to Angela Hill as part of The Ultimate Fighter Season 20 Finale card. "I have the heart, I have the aggression, I don't have the technique yet, and I think everyone's known that". The banners were a reminder of the potential UFC sees in the attractive, youthful and likeable VanZant as she rises up the ranks.

With a rise to prominence described by UFC boss Dana White as "like the Conor McGregor thing", VanZant has quickly become the face of the new women's division.

She said she felt fine despite the bruising and swelling. And, if I look good enough to look like I'm cheating, I'll take it as a compliment.