The UFC is close to finalizing a high-profile rematch between two former strawweight champions in Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade this summer, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
Contracts have not been signed, but both sides have agreed to meet on July 11 at a location to be determined, sources told ESPN. The location could be the mysterious “Fight Island,” which UFC president Dana White has claimed will be operational by late June.
Namajunas (8-4) was the champion when she first fought Andrade (20-7) in Brazil in May 2019. Namajunas appeared to be winning the bout until Andrade, who is from Brazil, picked her up and slammed her midway through the second round for a knockout victory.
Andrade went on to surrender the title to current champion Zhang Weili in her first attempted defense three months later.
The UFC originally booked this rematch for UFC 249 on April 18 in Brooklyn, however that event was ultimately postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The promotion tried to keep it intact for May 2, however Namajunas was forced to withdraw due to personal reasons.
The winner of the 115-pound contest would have a strong case for another title shot against Zhang, who recently told ESPN she’d like to face Namajunas in her next bout.