Carla Esparza-Rose Namajunas UFC Strawweight Title Clash Set for ‘TUF 20’ Finale

Rose Namajunas will try to become the UFC’s second female champion. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The matchup became official following the final episode of “TUF 20,” which saw Esparza take a unanimous verdict over Jessica Penne and Namajunas submit Randa Markos in the reality show’s semifinals.

The “TUF 20” finale takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and also includes a featherweight showdown pitting Jeremy Stephens against Charles Oliveira. The 11-bout card is highlighted by eight 115-pound pairings, including a bout between semifinal losers Penne and Markos.

The inaugural Invicta Fighting Championships strawweight titlist, Esparza is 9-2 in sanctioned bouts, including triumphs over “TUF” castmates Felice Herrig and Bec Rawlings. In addition to her victory over Penne, the 27-year-old “Cookie Monster” also bested Angela Hill and Tecia Torres during her stint on the program.

Namajunas was arguably “TUF’s” breakout star, submitting all three of her opponents -- Markos, Alex Chambers and Joanne Calderwood -- on the reality show. “Thug” has competed exclusively for Invicta as a pro, submitting Emily Kagan and Kathina Catron before dropping a unanimous verdict to Torres in her most recent outing at Invicta FC 6.