Rose Namajunas is coming off of an excellent win over Weili Zhang at UFC 268 back in November. The win was her first title defense since getting the strawweight title back.

There were a few options for her next fight but it seemed like everyone was on board for her to fight Carla Esparza in a rematch from seven years ago. Everyone, expect the UFC and Dana White that is. The president of the organization said he wasn't interested after UFC 268.

Rose Namajunas recently spoke to MMAJunkie and talked about the potential fight with Carla Esparza. It's clear that's what the UFC champion wants next.

“It’s the only one that makes sense,” Namajunas said. “I can fight anybody, but nothing really interests me other than Carla.”

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It isn't clear why the UFC is hesitant to book Carla Esparza next but Rose Namajunas has a small theory. It might be because of her fighting style.

“I think it’s probably maybe because she’s a wrestler or something,” said Namajunas. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s hard for them to get behind her, but I don’t know what it is, really. I do think she was sitting out and waiting for the title shot and that wasn’t the best move, but honestly I think it just makes sense. Make it happen.”

The strawweight division is one full of exciting contenders but it seems the option that makes the most sense from a merit perspective is Carla Esparza. Only time will tell if the UFC chooses to go with that option.