UFC 237 live blog: Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade

This is the UFC 237 live blog for Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade, a strawweight title fight at Saturday’s UFC event at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Namajunas has won four of her five past fights, while Andrade has also won four of her past five fights.

Check out the UFC 237 live blog below.

Round 1: And the UFC strawweight belt is up for grabs. Champ Rose Namajunas touches gloves with the challenger Jessica Andrade and the fight is on. Namajunas engages first with two sharp jabs. A lot of movement from Namajunas. Oh my, Namajunas is tagging up Andrade, starting things of with the jab followed by combinations. Andrade is bloodied up. The Brazilian immediately looks to takedown Namajunas. Andrade lifts Namajunas and slams her on the ground. Namajunas immediately threatens with an armbar, Andrade gets out, but Namajunas gets back on her feet. Man, Namajunas keeps tagging Andrade. More straight punches land by the champion. And a knee drops Andrade. Namajunas quickly rushes her and takes top control. One minute left. Andrade gets back on her feet. Andrade looking to headhunt but she keeps getting shut down by Namajunas’ jab. The bell rings.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8, Namajunas.

Round 2: They touch gloves. Namajunas is extremely composed picking apart Andrade with the jab and movement. Good left hook lands by Andrade. The Brazilian having a little more success rushing Namajunas here in the second. Namajunas floating on the outside, picking apart Andrade. And Andrade with a nice hood to the body. Rose clearly wining the striking battle, but she seems to be slowing down. Andrade closes the distance and pins Namajunas against the cage. Andrade picks up Namajunas and slams her on her head. Namajunas is out cold. We have a new strawweight champion, laddies and gentlemen. Powerful slam.

Official decision: Jessica Andrade def. Rose Namajunas via second-round KO (2:58)