nt"

RIO DE JANEIRO – Rose Namajunas is not putting her defenses down just because of the positive experience she’s had in Brazil so far ahead of UFC 237.

Namajunas (8-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) enters hostile territory Saturday when she puts her strawweight title on the line in the UFC 237 headliner in Rio de Janeiro against Brazil native Jessica Andrade (19-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC). Although the champion and her challenger have displayed a warm relationship ahead of fight night, “Thug Rose” remains on full alert.

“My guards are still up high,” Namajunas told MMA Junkie. “I protect myself at all times. Obviously we’re cordial and we’re respectful and it’s a great change of pace, but I always just focus on me and that’s it.”

UFC 237 takes place at Jeunesse Arena. Namajunas vs. Andrade headlines the pay-per-view main card following prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass.

Namajunas, 26, was cheered at times during Wednesday’s open workout in what was her first fight week media appearance. The tone is sure to shift on fight night, though, because it’s a guarantee that the Brazilian fans will shower her with its famous chants before and during the fight.

Only one foreign champion in UFC history has come to Brazil and successfully defended a title. Ronda Rousey pulled off the feat at UFC 190 in August 2015, and Namajunas is captivated by the opportunity to repeat that accomplishment.

“Human curiosity is a crazy thing and it’s all about if I can do it or not, or will I?” Namajunas said. “I know I can so it’s just a matter of whether I can.”

Despite holding the belt, Namajunas, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA strawweight rankings, enters UFC 237 as the betting underdog to No. 3-ranked Andrade. It’s not an unfamiliar position for her, however, because Namajunas has had the odds against her in all four of her UFC title fights.

Namajunas said she relishes being overlooked and had some theories as to why she may not always get her proper due.

“I think maybe because I wear my heart on my sleeve, I take my emotions and I think maybe some people take that for weakness,” Namajunas said. “Also I’m long and lengthy so maybe some people think I’m not strong or whatever, but it’s also more than that. I am strong, but it’s also being mentally strong, spiritually strong, everything. The whole package.”

Namajunas will likely need the whole package to beat Andrade, who has the most fights and is tied for the most wins of any female in UFC history. The Brazilian will have the crowd behind her and has a powerful style capable of posing a serious threat to the champion, but Namajunas believes she has the skills to respond on fight night.

“(I win the fight by) just being myself,” Namajunas said. “Not forcing things, being totally and natural and in the moment – in the present moment.”

For complete coverage of UFC 237, check out the UFC Events section of the site.