Rose Namajunas Faces Major Eye Surgery After UFC 324 Battle
Rose Namajunas, one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in women’s mixed martial arts, has undergone eye surgery after sustaining significant damage during her UFC 324 fight against Natalia Silva. The injury — caused by multiple eye pokes throughout the fight — led to a torn tear drainage system in her eye that required surgical intervention. Namajunas revealed in an emotional update that she will now need to adjust to having a silicone tube placed in her eye during the healing process, which is expected to last about three months.
A Close Fight That Took a Serious Physical Toll
At UFC 324, held in Las Vegas, Namajunas went toe-to-toe with Natalia Silva in a much-anticipated flyweight matchup. The contest was closely fought, with Namajunas showing her well-rounded skill set — striking, transitions, and clinch work — throughout the three rounds. Many observers felt she actually performed well enough to win, but the judges handed Silva a unanimous decision victory by a narrow margin.
While the decision was controversial among fans and pundits, the physical cost of the fight became a central concern once the extent of Namajunas’ eye injury came to light.
Understanding the Injury: Canalicular Laceration and Its Impact
During the fight, Namajunas suffered multiple eye pokes that went unpenalized. While eye pokes are technically accidental in MMA, they can cause serious harm when they repeatedly impact the sensitive eye area. In Namajunas’ case, the repeated trauma resulted in a tear to the canalicular drainage system — the small duct responsible for channeling tears away from the surface of the eye.
This kind of injury, known medically as a canalicular laceration, can cause excessive tearing, irritation, and even vision disturbances if left untreated. To correct it, surgeons performed a specialized operation to place a small silicone tube within the duct. The tube helps maintain proper tear drainage and acts as a scaffold to support healing. It’s a delicate procedure that demands care and a strict recovery regimen.
The Surgery and Namajunas’ Update to Fans
Namajunas addressed her followers ahead of the surgery with a candid message, describing both the emotional and physical weight of the situation. She said she was “headed into surgery” and explained that the tube will remain in her eye during recovery. She asked fans to “pray for me” and expressed relief that the injury could be fixed — even though the road ahead would be challenging.
In her message, she acknowledged that the eye pokes had been significant enough to cause lasting damage. She mentioned the need for the silicone tube and indicated that she would likely have it in place for about three months. This timeframe reflects not just healing time, but a period where she must avoid certain activities that could disrupt recovery, such as blowing her nose or sneezing forcefully — actions that can put pressure on the delicate eye area during healing.
Recovery Time and What It Means for Her Career
The recovery schedule means Namajunas will be out of action for some time. This pause comes at an inopportune moment, as she had been positioning herself for a potential title shot in the women’s flyweight division. With a win over Silva, Namajunas could have moved into serious title contention. Instead, the injury and subsequent surgery delay those plans and force her to focus on healing before thinking about returning to competition.
Despite this setback, Namajunas has a long track record of bouncing back from adversity. Known for her resilience — both mental and physical — she has previously captured the UFC strawweight title twice and earned respect for overcoming tough challenges inside and outside the Octagon.
Eye Pokes: A Growing Concern in MMA
Namajunas’ injury reignites ongoing debate within the sport about accidental eye pokes. While unintentional, they can have serious consequences when they happen repeatedly or in key moments during fights. Recent high-profile examples — including other fighters facing eye injuries — have pushed fans, analysts, and even athletes themselves to call for clearer rules or stricter penalties to protect fighters from long-term harm.
Some argue that referees should intervene more quickly when eye pokes occur, or that point deductions should be enforced more consistently to discourage reckless hand placement. Others highlight the inherent risks of a combat sport where open-hand strikes and grappling exchanges are commonplace. However, the rising frequency of eye injuries has undeniably captured attention and prompted calls for better protective measures.
Namajunas’ Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite the current setback, Rose Namajunas remains one of the most iconic figures in women’s MMA. Her strategic prowess, diverse skill set, and championship pedigree have made her a standout athlete in a highly competitive era. This injury — while serious — does not define her career. Instead, how she navigates recovery and return will likely add to her legacy as a fighter who persevered through adversity.
At 33, Namajunas has already accomplished milestones that many fighters never reach. Her two strawweight titles and her ability to adapt to a new weight class demonstrate both longevity and versatility in her sport. While months away from competition, she still has the talent and determination to return stronger.
Final Thoughts: Strength and Resilience Beyond the Octagon
Rose Namajunas’ journey through injury and recovery highlights the unpredictable nature of combat sports. While victories and losses often make headlines, the toll on the body — especially in moments of unintended damage — reveals the real human side of athletes. Namajunas’ transparency about her struggle and her willingness to share her recovery journey with fans reinforces her status as both a fierce competitor and a relatable figure in sports.
Her upcoming months will be spent healing, adapting to life with a temporary silicone eye tube, and preparing mentally for her return. In doing so, she continues to embody the resilience that has defined her career — a testament to the spirit of competition and the heart of a true champion.