Rose Namajunas cleared to train after eye surgery, calls for stricter eye poke penalties

Rose Namajunas has undergone eye surgery and received medical clearance to return to training three months after suffering an eye injury at UFC 324. The former UFC strawweight champion sustained damage from an eye poke during her fight against Natalia Silva in January. Namajunas posted an update on social media Monday stating that both her thumb and eye have fully recovered, though she is slightly out of shape. She advocated for stricter penalties for eye pokes regardless of intent, suggesting immediate point deductions to better protect fighters' long-term health. Namajunas expressed gratitude that her injury was not more severe and appears ready to resume her fighting career.