Rose Namajunas is set to undergo eye surgery following her recent loss at UFC 324, and she has a heartfelt message for her supporters: "Pray for me, guys."
The former two-time champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight division, affectionately known as "Thug Rose," faced a challenging bout this past weekend on January 24, 2026. In an intense match, she narrowly lost a unanimous decision to Natalia Silva, the top contender in the Flyweight category, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Unfortunately, the aftermath of her defeat brought more bad news. Namajunas revealed that she sustained a serious eye injury during the fight, requiring a significant recovery period. Earlier today, the 33-year-old athlete took to Instagram to inform her fans of her upcoming canalicular tube surgery—an operation aimed at repairing damage to her tear duct system, which was injured due to multiple eye pokes throughout the bout.
"Alright, guys, I’m headed into surgery," she shared on Instagram. "Canalicular tube surgery. I got poked in the eye a few times in the fight, so yeah. But my tube is torn, so it’s going to be repaired right now. I’m going to have a silicone tube in my eye. Three months, so pray for me, guys. Just glad we can get it fixed."
Canalicular tube surgery is a critical procedure that involves mending a tear in the tear drainage canal located at the inner corner of the eyelid. If left unattended, such injuries can lead to ongoing watering, irritation, and even vision problems. During the procedure, an oculoplastic surgeon will reconnect the affected tissue and insert a small silicone stent to ensure the duct remains open while healing occurs. Typically, the stent stays in place for three to six months before being removed in a straightforward office visit.
The timeline for recovery is quite strict; once the stent is inserted, it remains there for approximately three to six months. Although this procedure is effective in restoring normal tear drainage when performed soon after the injury, fighters like Namajunas must endure temporary discomfort and limit their training activities during the healing phase.
Adding to the challenge, sports journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Namajunas will face restrictions on sneezing and blowing her nose for the next three months—a necessary but uncomfortable precaution while she recovers. Ouch!
The timing of this injury could not be worse for Namajunas, who was poised for a guaranteed title shot against Flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko had she won against Silva. Instead, she now finds herself sidelined once again, needing to regroup in a competitive division.
Currently, Namajunas holds a record of 1–2 in her last three fights and stands at 3–3 since her transition to the Flyweight class. While her aspirations for a championship are not entirely extinguished, the path ahead has become significantly more arduous—and painful.
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