Paige VanZant Now Draws Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night 80

Paige VanZant is getting her first headlining gig in the UFC in December… and all the headaches that accompany such an accolade.

VanZant's original opponent, Joanne Calderwood, is out of the main event and has been supplanted by Rose Namajunas. The UFC on Wednesday confirmed an original report from Tuesday's edition of the Stud Show Radio podcast.

The change in opposition could actually be a good move for VanZant, who currently sits at No. 6 in the UFC Women's Strawweight rankings. Calderwood is ranked at No. 8, but Namajunas is ranked higher than either of them. She currently holds the No. 3 spot in the division.

VanZant (6-1) has been on a hot streak, winning her four most recent bouts, including all three of her fights in the Octagon. Namajunas, however, would be her highest ranked opposition to date. A victory over her would propel VanZant from up-and-comer to contender status.

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Namajunas is only 3-2 overall, but sits at No. 3 after making her way through The Ultimate Fighter and into the final for the strawweight championship against former Invicta FC champ Carla Esparza. She failed in her bid to win the belt, but defeated Alex Chambers, Joanne Calderwood, and Randa Markos to earn her shot. Those bouts don't appear on her professional record, however, since bouts on the reality show are classified as exhibitions.

Namajunas has since returned to the win column with a quick victory over Angela Hill in early October.

UFC Fight Night 80: VanZant vs. Namajunas, on Dec. 10, kicks off a three-night stint for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in Las Vegas. The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale takes place on Dec. 11, and on Dec. 12, UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor takes center stage.

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