Rose Namajunas Undergoes Eye Surgery Following UFC 324 Loss

Rose Namajunas, the former two-time UFC women’s strawweight champion, is facing a significant recovery period after sustaining multiple eye pokes during her fight against Natalia Silva at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. The bout, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ended in a unanimous decision loss for Namajunas, with each judge scoring the fight 29-28 in favor of Silva. Following the match, Namajunas revealed that she required canalicular tube surgery to repair damage to her tear drainage system, which was caused by the eye pokes. The surgery involves placing a silicone tube in her eye, which will remain for approximately three months, during which she will be unable to sneeze or blow her nose.

Rose Namajunas Needs Eye Surgery After Controversial UFC 324 LossUFC star Rose Namajunas won’t be able to blow nose, sneeze for three months after gruesome injuryUFC star left unable to sneeze or blow her nose for three months after suffering horrific eye injuryRose Namajunas Announces Canalicular Eye Surgery After UFC 324 LossRose Namajunas undergoes surgery after she was ‘poked in the eye a few times’ at UFC 324Rose Namajunas forced to undergo serious eye surgery after Natalia Silva’s eye pokes at UFC 324Rose Namajunas Undergoes Eye Surgery After UFC 324 Loss, Gets Tube Inserted

Namajunas expressed her frustration regarding the injuries sustained during the fight, stating, “I wish I would have protested... I feel like a point should be taken right away.” Despite the setback, she remains optimistic about her recovery, stating, “I’m just glad we can get it fixed.” The recovery period is critical as it not only affects her physical health but also her standing in the competitive flyweight division. Namajunas has a mixed record since moving up to flyweight in 2023, now sitting at 3-3 in the division, which includes her recent loss to Silva.

Rose Namajunas Announces Canalicular Eye Surgery After UFC 324 Loss

In her Instagram updates, Namajunas shared her journey through the injury and surgery, asking fans to “pray for me guys.” Her fiancé and training partner, Pat Barry, confirmed the severity of the injury, noting that the eye pokes were significant enough to require surgical intervention. Critics of the fight have suggested that Namajunas may have been unfairly disadvantaged due to the eye pokes, with many believing she performed well enough to win.

UFC star Rose Namajunas won’t be able to blow nose, sneeze for three months after gruesome injury

The fight has sparked discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of rules regarding eye pokes in MMA. Namajunas's experience has led to calls for the UFC to implement measures to protect fighters from similar injuries in the future. Silva, who is now positioned for a potential title shot against reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the fight, stating that she accepted the match on short notice and expects the UFC to honor its promise of a title opportunity.

Rose Namajunas Needs Eye Surgery After Controversial UFC 324 Loss

Looking ahead, Namajunas's recovery will dictate her return to the octagon. With a projected recovery timeline of three months, she could potentially be back in competition by late 2026. As she focuses on healing, the MMA community will be watching closely to see how her career progresses following this significant injury.

Rose Namajunas Announces Canalicular Eye Surgery After UFC 324 Loss

• “I got poked in the eye a few times in the fight.” — Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas Needs Eye Surgery After Controversial UFC 324 Loss

• “So I feel like a point should be taken right away.” — Rose Namajunas

UFC star Rose Namajunas won’t be able to blow nose, sneeze for three months after gruesome injury

• “Pray for me guys, and I’m just glad we can get it fixed,” — Rose Namajunas

UFC star Rose Namajunas won’t be able to blow nose, sneeze for three months after gruesome injury

• “That’s what should happen, and that’s what the UFC told me that I was going to get a title fight,” — Natalia Silva

Rose Namajunas Needs Eye Surgery After Controversial UFC 324 Loss